‘Doctor Who’ Scripts for New Series Leaked Online
“Doctor Who” scripts have been leaked online. Five episodes of the upcoming series of the show, starring 12th Doctor Peter Capaldi, made its way on the Internet, prompting BBC to ask fans not to download the scripts.
The leak is understood to have originated from a BBC Worldwide office in the U.S., which was given the scripts for translation for the Latin American audiences.
“We deeply regret this and apologise regret this and apologise to all the show’s fans, the BBC and the cast and crew who have worked tirelessly making the series,” a statement from the BBC Worldwide reads.
“We would like to make a plea to anyone who might have any of this material and spoilers associated with it not to share it with a wider audience so that everyone can enjoy the show as it should be seen when it launches.
“We know only too well that Doctor Who fans are the best in the world and we thank them for their help with this and their continued loyalty.”
Writer Mark Gatiss also took to Twitter his frustration over the security breach, saying:
“People spend all their time making nice things and then other people come along and break them…”
— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) July 7, 2014
To trace where the leaks originate from, showrunner Steven Moffat wants everyone who receives a copy to have their name watermarked on the document. And, according to the copy obtained by Gizmodo, the scripts that have been made its way online have the name Marcelo Camargo watermarked.
This isn’t the first time “Doctor Who” suffered from spoiler leak.
In 2013, “a small number” of U.S. viewers were sent pre-ordered DVDs three weeks earlier than schedule. The discs contained the finale of the series.
The series eight of the show, which also stars Jenna Coleman as the Doctor’s companion Clara will commence broadcast on August 23.