Robot Daleks out to exterminate

The Daleks are Doctor Who's arch-enemies

The Daleks are set to take over toy shop shelves after the BBC signed a merchandising deal for the new Doctor Who series.

The radio-controlled Daleks will be made by the company behind the hugely successful Robosapien robots.

The corporation's commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, signed up with Character Options to produce a number of items.

Doctor Who returns to TV screens later this year with Christopher Eccleston in charge of the Tardis.

'Simply awesome'

The Daleks, which are expected to retail for about £30, will be joined by Doctor Who's Electronic Sonic Screwdriver as well as vehicles from the cult series.

Jon Diver, of Character Options, said: "We are delighted with the appointment, and will be producing an innovative range of products to complement the heritage of this property.

"The footage that we have seen to date is simply awesome".

The company's Robosapien was one of the top-selling toys last Christmas with more than two million of the humanoid robots sold.

The company has also made licensed products for Lord of the Rings and Spider-Man 2.

Richard Hollis, head of licensing at BBC Worldwide, said: "We are excited to be working with such a strong toy partner, and one who has had such success with technological and robotic toys."

The series, written by Russell T Davies for BBC Wales, will see former pop star Billie Piper take the role of the doctor's sidekick Rose Tyler.