Ahead of its long-awaited debut on Sunday night, Russell T Davies has spoken to Shortlist about the upcoming Doctor Who special, The Waters of Mars, and revealed that it’s still child-safe despite the fact it has been billed as the scariest episode yet!

“It’s dark in comparison to some episodes but it is completely child-safe,” the outgoing showrunner said. ”There’s a lot of emotion and psychological fear so I think Mum and Dad will need their hands held!”

He added: “Drama’s not safe and it’s not pretty and it’s not kind. People expect the basic template of television drama where there might be naughty villains, but everyone ends up having a nice cup of tea. You’ve got to do big moral choices and show the terrible things people do in terrible situations. Drama is failing if it doesn’t do that.”

» Interested in The Waters of Mars? Keep on top of the next special here!