It’s not clear who fi rst coined the phrase ‘behind the sofa’ in relation to Doctor Who, but it appears to have been common currency as early as 1964. Which suggests that, almost from the start - probably the fi rst appearance of those dreaded Daleks, if you want to put a fl ag in it - the series’ DNA has been composed of just as much horror as science fi ction
“Tonally, Doctor Who is many things, and horror comes and goes with diff erent levels of intensity within it,” suggests the series’ current showrunner, Chris Chibnall. “Science fi ction is often conceptual, whereas horror is more emotional and primal. Doctor Who is often about what’s around the corner, or what’s under the bed, so is very primal in that sense.
“The spirit of Halloween is definitely there in Doctor Who.” CHRIS CHIBNALL