Doctor Who birthday to be screened globally

A special 50th anniversary episode of cult sci-fi TV show Doctor Who will be screened simultaneously around the world to avoid spoiling the plot for fans.

The Time Lord first appeared on the small screen in 1963, and to mark his milestone this year (13), producers have shot a birthday episode featuring current star Matt Smith, new castmember John Hurt, former Doctor David Tennant and his onscreen assistant Billie Piper.

The anniversary special is to be screened in the U.K. on 23 November (13), and it will be broadcast at the same time in cities including Los Angeles and Sydney, Australia to avoid ruining the storyline for fans overseas, according to British newspaper The Sun.