Executive producer Julie Gardner has given confirmation that a third series of Torchwood has been given the greenlight and that it will commissioned and that it will be different to previous years.

Continuing the pattern of climbing up the ladder of the Big British Castle, Torchwood is to be moved to BBC One and have a new format - the third series will consist of one story, told in five parts and broadcast over five consecutive nights.

Not only that Torchwood will have a new showrunner. Chris Chibnall has left to work on the new London-based installment of the US Law & Order show. Replacing him will be Peter Bennett, who has previously worked on Torchwood as well as Doctor Who, Indiana Jones, Bond film, The Mummy and many others. Doctor Who episode director Euros Lyn will be directing the episodes.

Furtherore, the series finale of Doctor Who appeared to confirm the rumours that Martha Jones and Mickey Smith will be joining the team as regulars, replacing the deceased Toshiko Sato and the ghostly Dr Misery.

Julie Gardner says that she and Russell T Davies "are thrilled to be bringing Torchwood back for a third series. The new series promises to be a gripping and surprising TV event and we're certain the audience will love the team's exciting, roller-coaster adventures."

Production on the new series will start in August, for a likely January 2009 airdate.

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