BBC Drama Showcase 2013 News Round-Up

BBC exec Ben Stephenson reveals what's to come for Doctor Who, Call The Midwife and more...
BBC Drama executive manager Ben Stephenson tonight led a special showcase of a host of the big drama programmes set to air in the next twelve months, including new seasons that have been commissioned and other big announcements. As per usual, we've rounded up everything you need to know from the BBC showcase. Here's our guide to all of the big announcements:

• DOCTOR WHO 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL- Easily BBC1's landmark news of the night had to be the official announcement of a colossal bumper-length Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special for broadcast on November 23rd. On top of the reveal, the BBC confirmed that the feature-length special episode will be available in 3D (presumably on BBC 3D or a sub-channel for BBC HD), and more exciting still, that select cinemas will show the grand adventure on the big screen too! Expect more news on the special and beyond once Series Seven Part Two has begun transmission next month, but for now this is thrilling news for fans in the midst of Who's 50th Anniversary year.
• CALL THE MIDWIFE- Next up, Stephenson was happy to confirm that the hit popular new series Call The Midwife will return for a third season. Consisting of a Christmas Special to air on December 25th 2013 and a full series of eight episodes coming in early 2014, this new series reaches the year 1959 and takes some shocking turns as the swinging 60s beckon...
• ATLANTIS- Those drama fans lamenting the conclusion of Merlin over the Winter months will be glad to hear that the show's production team are hard at work on a new drama. Titled Atlantis, the thirteen-episode series will reimagine the classic Greek myths and legends of the fabled titular city, bringing these tales up to date for a modern-day audience. Atlantis will take Merlin's place as a Saturday night drama in Autumn 2013, and is likely to fulfill an earlier timeslot than its predecessor due to its initially children-aimed premise.
• BURTON & TAYLOR- The Wire's Dominic West and Helena Bonham-Carter are teaming up for a new one-off celebrity period BBC4 drama, Burton & Taylor, in Autumn 2013. We'll have more on this project as we get it!

Expect lots more news on Doctor Who, Call The Midwife and Atlantis very soon, and keep it On-Screen to learn everything on each and every BBC Drama project!