Doctor Who spin-off for teens announced

Peter Capaldi as the Doctor.

A Doctor Who spin-off for teens will air next year.

Class - a Young Adult series set in contemporary London - has been written by YA author Patrick Ness and commissioned by BBC Three.

Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat said: "No one has documented the dark and exhilarating world of the teenager like Patrick Ness, and now we're bringing his brilliant story-telling into Doctor Who. This is growing up in modern Britain - but with monsters!"

Patrick added: "I'm astounded and thrilled to be entering the Doctor Who universe, which is as vast as time and space itself. There's so much room there for all kinds of amazing stories, and to work with Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin to find a place to tell one of my own has been an absolute joy. I can't wait for people to meet the heroes of Class, to meet the all-new villains and aliens, to remember that the horrors of the darkest corners of existence are just about on par with having to pass your A-Levels."

This is Patrick's first foray into TV and will be comprised of eight 45 minute episodes which will begin filming in Spring 2016.

The series is set to air on BBC Three next year.

Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three said: "We're excited to give Patrick Ness this opportunity to work with us at BBC Three and the Doctor Who family. Patrick understands young audiences and I'm delighted he will use his incredible skills as a storyteller to delight audiences on BBC Three."

Polly Hill, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning added: "I am thrilled that Patrick Ness is writing his first drama series for BBC3. The combination of Patrick and Steven Moffat, is an exciting partnership that has created a brilliant Dr Who spin-off for our BBC3 audience."

Class is executive produced by Steven Moffat, Patrick Ness and Brian Minchin.

- Bang! Showbiz