LONDON, July 2 (UPI) -- The Daleks won't torment Dr. Who when the revitalized British TV classic airs because producers failed to settle differences with the evil monsters' creator.
Talks between the BBC and the estate of late science fiction writer Terry Nation, who created the Daleks, disintegrated over editorial control issues, BBC reported Friday.
"The BBC offered the very best deal possible but ultimately we were not able to give the level of editorial influence that the Terry Nation estate wished to have," a BBC spokeswoman said.
Even without the Daleks, the writing team said there will be new monsters for the series, which is set to air in the fall of 2005.
"And I can confirm we have created a new enemy for the Doctor which will keep viewers on the edge of their seats," said Russell T. Davies, writer for the show.
Film actor Christopher Eccleston will star as the new Dr. Who and former pop star Billie Piper will play his assistant,
