We're not entirely sure of the veracity of these claims because they all seem a bit, well, flimsy but, nonetheless, word has reached us that the Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson might well helm an episode in the new season of Doctor Who.

Jackson is known to be a huge fan of the TV series and was quoted as saying earlier this year that he would even do the honours for free, as long as he got to take home a prop.

"They wouldn't have to pay me", Jackson was reported as saying. "But I have got my eye on one of those nice new gold coloured Daleks. They must have a spare one."

Now, at a recent Doctor Who fan Q&A in Edinburgh, the show's producer Steven Moffat insisted that Jackson is serious and that they discussed the matter at the premiere of The Hobbit and, yes, Jackson wants to be paid in Dalek form.