The BBC could be facing legal action for its Christmas episode of Doctor Who as chiefs at the broadcasting company allegedly did not seek permission to create a relative of Nicholas Courtney’s iconic character Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart.
The episode, which was Peter Capaldi’s last as The Doctor, co-starred comedian Mark Gatiss as Archibald Lethbridge-Stewart, who was unveiled as the grandfather The Brigadier.
Speaking at the preview screening, Gatiss praised the character, saying: ‘To end up being the Brigadier’s grandfather, I couldn’t have imagined anything more brilliant.’
The Brigadier first appeared in the historic series back in 1968, and starred in a further 22 episodes throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His last appearance came all the way back in 1989.
Peter Capaldi (right, starring as the Doctor) and Mark Gatiss (left, starring as the Captain) in the Christmas special of Doctor Who
He appeared with the second Doctor, Patrick Troughton, with his final appearance coming with the seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy.
Yet Mervyn Haisman, one of the creators of the original Lethbridge-Stewart, is said to be contemplating legal action for the creation of the new character, known as The Captain.
The creative director of the Haisman Estate, Andy Frankham-Allen, was quoted in the Mirror saying: ‘Characters are considered creative works and are protected by copyright law.
‘As such, we reserve the right to determine what is officially part of our intellectual property.
Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart (Nicholas Courtney) and the Doctor (Jon Pertwee) during a 1970 episode of the original Doctor Who
‘If derivative works are created without our permission, then we will determine if/how they fit into our IP. We reserve the right to accept or reject any additions to our intellectual properties.’
A BBC spokesman said: ‘This claim is without foundation. There has been no breach of copyright.’
The Christmas special marked a new era for Doctor Who, with the thirteenth generation of The Doctor appearing as a woman for the first time in its history.
Peter Capaldi regenerated at the end of the Christmas special, where it was unveiled that Jodie Whitaker would be the new star of the show.
Peter Capaldi regenerated at the end of the Christmas special, where it was unveiled that Jodie Whitaker would be the new star of the show