Sherlock writer to pen Doctor Who episode

'Sherlock' writer Steve Thompson is to pen an episode of 'Doctor Who'.

The scriptwriter - who contributed to the second episode of 'Sherlock' entitled 'The Blind Banker' in August 2010 - is to create a piece for the upcoming series of the BBC One sci-fi drama.

Steven Moffat, the show's boss, confirmed to Doctor Who Magazine that his episode will be the third installment of the time-travelling tale to be aired when the series begins in the Spring.

The introduction of the 'Sherlock' writer is part of a show shake-up, which also reportedly includes the famous Daleks being axed altogether and the series being split into two parts, with seven episodes in each section.

Meanwhile, 'Doctor Who' and 'Sherlock' will be battling it out in this year's upcoming National TV Awards on January 26.

With both shows up for the coveted Best Drama accolade, actors Matt Smith and Benedict Cumberbatch - who play the 11th incarnation of the Time Lord and Sherlock Holmes respectively - will also go head to head in the Best Drama Performance category.