BBC orders more 'Doctor Who'

LONDON, June 8 (UPI) -- The BBC says it has ordered 14 new episodes of its science-fiction series "Doctor Who," with Matt Smith set to return as the title character.

The Guardian quoted an unnamed BBC spokesman as saying: "The new commission is a big commitment, not many other shows have such a commitment so far in advance. We do not know yet how many will air in 2012."

The show began airing in 1963. Smith is the 11th actor to play the time-traveling doctor. The current season is to wrap up this month.