STEVEN Moffat's decision to quit his role as lead writer and executive producer of Doctor Who has prompted one crucial question: will the show survive without him?

There will be no Doctor Who series in 2016 and Moffat will produce a Christmas special to air this year and one more series in 2017 before handing over to Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall.

Will Doctor Who survive Steven Moffat's departure?
Give us your view on whether the hit BBC show will cope without the writing genius of its executive producer...
Yes - it's time for a regeneration!
No - he was the driving force behind the show.

Moffat said: "While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I'll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the Tardis warm for him.

"It took a lot of gin and tonic to talk him into this, but I am beyond delighted that one of the true stars of British television drama will be taking the Time Lord even further into the future."

Moffat took over Doctor Who in 2010 and during his tenure, the show has grown into a global success.

He was responsible for introducing the 11th and 12th Doctors in Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi, in addition to casting Karen Gillan as companion Amy Pond and Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald.

Chibnal said: "Doctor Who is the ultimate BBC programme: bold, unique, vastly entertaining, and adored all around the world.

"So it's a privilege and a joy to be the next curator of this funny, scary and emotional family drama.

"I've loved Doctor Who since I was four years old, and I'm relishing the thought of working with the exceptional team at BBC Wales to create new characters, creatures and worlds for the Doctor to explore."