Doctor Who 50th anniversary special to be broadcast around the world simultaneously

The landmark episode is set to be the biggest drama simulcast in history

Stephen Kelly1:03 PM, 26 July 2013

It looks like international fans may have to set their alarms to watch the Doctor Who50th anniversary special with the episode set to air around the world at the same time.

Global broadcasters have agreed to simulcast the 3D special to avoid plot leaks or spoilers, meaning that if, on the anniversary of Saturday 23 November, the episode was to be shown at 7pm on BBC1, fans in LA would see it at 11am while viewers in Sydney would be watching it at 6am on Sunday.

BBC Worldwide, the corporation's commercial arm, said in a statement: "It's always been our ambition to work with our broadcast partners so that international Doctor Who fans can enjoy the 50th Anniversary special at the same time as the UK. We'll have more details soon about our very exciting global plans for November."

The episode, which will unite Matt Smith’s Doctor with David Tennant's tenth, has reportedly been sold to 200 countries and is expected to reach more than 100 million viewers, making it the biggest global drama simulcast in history. It will also be screened in cinemas in the UK.