In pictures: Doctor Who returns

1 of 8 The new series of Doctor Who returns to the BBC on Saturday. Many things in the new series are different, but the Tardis is among the features older fans will recognise.

2 of 8 Christopher Eccleston takes over the role of the Doctor in this new series, written by Russell T Davies.

3 of 8 One-time pop star Billie Piper plays the Doctor's new assistant Rose Tyler.

4 of 8 The duo can leap back and forth in time - such as this trip to the year Five Billion to witness Earth's dying days...

5 of 8 ...where they are joined by alien ambassadors.

6 of 8 Jabe The Tree is another of the characters from the year Five Billion.

7 of 8 The Autons are aliens made of living plastic. Taking the shape of shop dummies, they attack the streets of London in a bid to take over the world.

8 of 8 But who will win out when the Doctor tangles with the Autons? The answer will be revealed in the new series.