Five episodes of scripts have been leaked online
Doctor Who scripts from the upcoming new series starring Peter Capaldi have been leaked online, BBC Worldwide have confirmed.
The cover of what appears to be a script for ‘Deep Breath’, the first episode of the sci-fi favourite’s eighth run written by show boss Steven Moffat, has been posted on pop culture website bleedingcool.com.
Four more scripts are also believed to be among the leaked haul.
The Corporation’s commercial arm apologised to the programme’s fans and promised to investigate the “security issue”.
It said in a statement: “BBC Worldwide is currently investigating a security issue around Doctor Who Series 8 where unfinished material has inadvertently been made public
“We deeply regret this and apologise to all the show’s fans, the BBC and the cast and crew who have worked tirelessly making the series.
“We would like to make a plea to anyone who might have any of this material and spoilers associated with it not to share it with a wider audience so that everyone can enjoy the show as it should be seen when it launches.
“We know only too well that Doctor Who fans are the best in the world and we thank them for their help with this and their continued loyalty.”
It is claimed that the scripts may have originated from a BBC office in Miami, Florida.
Some fans sites have also claimed that full length episodes were available to watch online, but have since been removed.
Who screenwriter Mark Gatiss seemed to tweet his frustration at the leak just minutes after the story breaking.
Two teaser clips, with the latest trailer suggesting the return of the Doctor’s old enemy Davros, have already aired on TV and the web in the run up to the start of the new series, beginning on August 23.
Pictures taken during filming have shown new Doctor Capaldi, 56, dressed in a orange spacesuit, battling robotic foes the Cybermen and standing alongside a very small TARDIS.
Line of Duty star Keeley Hawes, comedian Frank Skinner, Hermione Norris and Grammy winner Foxes are all lined up to guest star alongside the Twelfth Doctor actor.
‘Deep Breath’ is set to premiered at a screening in Cardiff on the 7th August, just over three weeks ahead of broadcast on BBC One.