'Doctor Who' spinoff series to start filming this spring in Wales

LONDON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- BBC Three says it plans to start shooting Class, a Doctor Who spinoff series created by young-adult author Patrick Ness, in Wales this spring.

Set in contemporary London, the eight-installment, science-fiction series is set to air in 2016. No casting has been announced yet.

"No one has documented the dark and exhilarating world of the teenager like Patrick Ness, and now we're bringing his brilliant storytelling into Doctor Who. This is growing up in modern Britain -- but with monsters," Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat said in a statement Thursday.

"I'm astounded and thrilled to be entering the Doctor Who universe, which is as vast as time and space itself," Ness added. "There's so much room there for all kinds of amazing stories, and to work with Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin to find a place to tell one of my own has been an absolute joy. I can't wait for people to meet the heroes of Class, to meet the all-new villains and aliens, to remember that the horrors of the darkest corners of existence are just about on par with having to pass your A-Levels."

Damian Kavanagh, BBC Three's controller, remarked: "We're excited to give Patrick Ness this opportunity to work with us at BBC Three and the Doctor Who family. Patrick understands young audiences and I'm delighted he will use his incredible skills as a storyteller to delight audiences on BBC Three. BBC Three will always innovate and offer opportunities for brilliant new talent."

Doctor Who, starring Peter Capaldi has the 12th incarnation of the titular time-traveler, recently began its ninth season.

Ness is best known for his Chaos Walking trilogy of books, as well as A Monster Calls.