Doctor Who series 10 start date: Peter Capaldi reveals when BBC show will likely return

'We’ll be on at Christmas, and then it starts again in April, I think'

'Dr Who', one of the BBC's most successful in-house productions (BBC)

Doctor Who may have remained absent from our screens in 2016 - except for an upcoming Christmas special - but there’s good news on the horizon.

When speaking to fans, the Doctor himself, Peter Capaldi, revealed the currently-filming tenth series will air in April, aligning with claims it would debut in Spring.

A video of the interaction was uploaded to Twitter, picked up by Radio Times, Capaldi saying in it: “We’ll be on at Christmas, and then it starts again in April, I think.”

In recent years, Doctor Who has been airing in the Winter, series nine having begun in September, something that likely didn't help the show's declining ratings.

The earlier April launch date aligns with the earlier revamped series, the first few having started in March/April, running until June/July.

Capaldi will be joined by new companion Bill - played by Pearl Mackie - in the upcoming series. Matt Lucas will also be returning to the Tardis in the series.

Meanwhile, Capaldi has previously hinted Jenna Coleman may be returning to the show sometime soon, saying the two had filming something together post season nine.