What happened next

The search is on for a new Time Lord

April 2017 After Peter Capaldi’s announcement that he’s stepping down from Doctor Who, the search for his replacement begins. The show’s creator rejects calls for a female lead and decides to cast a politician. ‘Wanted’ ads around Westminster read, ‘Ageing white man with predilection for tweed jackets or ill-fitting suits. Must enjoy travelling back in time.’ Jeremy Corbyn, Nigel Farage and Michael Gove apply. Farage drops out after learning there’s no smoking in the Tardis. Gove turns down the role when his request to have the show’s title corrected to ‘Doctor Whom’ is rejected. Corbyn wins by a process of elimination.

June 2018 The new incarnation is panned by Whovians, primarily because of amendments demanded by Corbyn. On a sabbatical from the Labour leadership – a vacancy not noticed by his party, the government or the electorate for eight

Gove turns down the role when his request to have the title corrected to ‘Doctor Whom’ is rejected

months – the new Doctor chooses Diane Abbott as his assistant, citing their 1970s motorcycle tour of East Germany as ideal previous experience. Elsewhere, Corbyn maddens fans by altering the Daleks’ catchphrase to ‘SAVE WELFARE STATE’. A Tory-backed BBC Trust report eventually finds the show has breached impartiality guidelines, forcing Doctor Who’s cancellation.

February 2019 In revenge, a spin-of f series is launched, Junior Doctor Who, which follows Emma Watson as a overtired trainee Time Lord on Gallifrey, battling a mysterious stoat-faced villain called Sheremy Shunt, who forces her to work extended weekend hours. The show, which runs in real time, airs on BBC4 for 17 hours a day, six days a week. It divides critics, but public support is overwhelming.