In the producer's chair for the next run is Ian Atkins, writer of the Fifth Doctor Short Trip Doctor Who: The King of the Dead, and producer of our Doctor Who Main Range Subscriber Short Trips since last year.

'I'm delighted to be taking over from Michael Stevens on this intelligent, often thought-provoking range,' said Ian, 'It's an honour to get that vote of confidence from David Richardson, Nicholas Briggs and Jason Haigh-Ellery and quite daunting to now have so many stories and times and places to think about in one go!

'Director Lisa Bowerman and I have had some long planning lunches (one of the best things about a producer's role) and we have a very long wishlist we're now pursuing. I'm also delighted with the response I've had from the writers I've approached so far, both familiar with and new to Big Finish's Doctor Who ranges. It's too early to be sure or make any firm announcements, but I'm certainly planning a couple of proper Christmas stories and to explore some periods and characters in Doctor Who which may have been forgotten about – and not just with companions either...'

The 2016 and 2017 runs of Doctor Who: Short Trips can be pre-ordered from today. Titles are available for just £2.99 each, or each year can be bought as a subscription for just £30.

Keep an eye on the Big Finish website for more updates, where Ian's plans will be revealed across the year:

'I've worked with Doctor Who short stories since editing a fanzine called Land of Fiction in the mid-80s, and have always enjoyed the medium and how it can be used to recreate many different eras of a show we all love. It's brilliant to have a chance to share that with a much wider audience. Mind you, my circulation was about 50. So that won't be too hard.'