The BBC said Tuesday it had launched an inquiry into how a new episode of cult British TV sci-fi series "Doctor Who" has been leaked on the Internet.
The classic program, which has been off air since 1989, makes a much-anticipated return to the small screen later this month with Christopher Eccleston starring as the time-traveling hero and former pop star Billie Piper as his sidekick.
However, the BBC -- which was due to trumpet the show's regeneration at a celebration launch Tuesday -- said one of the 13 new 45-minute episodes had been posted on the Internet.
"This is a significant breach of copyright which is currently under investigation," a BBC spokeswoman said.
"The source of it appears to be connected to our co-production partner," she added, referring to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the leaked clips show Piper's character working in a London department store when it comes under attack by evil aliens, the Autons.
Enter the Doctor, who routs the invaders despite their sneaky trick of taking the form of plastic household objects.
"We would urge viewers not to spoil their enjoyment and to wait for the finished version which airs at the end of the month," the BBC spokeswoman added.
"Doctor Who" first appeared in 1963 and became a huge hit, despite its unconvincing monsters and wobbly sets.
The new series features Eccleston as the ninth reincarnation of the Timelord and will also see the return of the Doctor's arch enemies, the Daleks.
wow,cant wait,my favorite series as kid
The classic program, which has been off air since 1989, makes a much-anticipated return to the small screen later this month with Christopher Eccleston starring as the time-traveling hero and former pop star Billie Piper as his sidekick.
However, the BBC -- which was due to trumpet the show's regeneration at a celebration launch Tuesday -- said one of the 13 new 45-minute episodes had been posted on the Internet.
"This is a significant breach of copyright which is currently under investigation," a BBC spokeswoman said.
"The source of it appears to be connected to our co-production partner," she added, referring to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the leaked clips show Piper's character working in a London department store when it comes under attack by evil aliens, the Autons.
Enter the Doctor, who routs the invaders despite their sneaky trick of taking the form of plastic household objects.
"We would urge viewers not to spoil their enjoyment and to wait for the finished version which airs at the end of the month," the BBC spokeswoman added.
"Doctor Who" first appeared in 1963 and became a huge hit, despite its unconvincing monsters and wobbly sets.
The new series features Eccleston as the ninth reincarnation of the Timelord and will also see the return of the Doctor's arch enemies, the Daleks.
wow,cant wait,my favorite series as kid
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