The title of the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special has now been confirmed by the BBC as 'The Day Of The Doctor'.

We also have confirmation of the running time which will be 75 minutes approximately, as well as some of the other planned programming to surround the anniversary. 

Professor Brian Cox will be presenting a lecture on BBC Two on the science behind the hit show. This will be in addition to the drama 'An Adventure In Space and Time', written by Mark Gatiss. The one-off programme stars David Bradley, of the Harry Potter films, as William Hartnell.

BBC Four will introduce new audiences to Hartnell, with a re-run of the first ever story. The four episodes are being shown in a restored format, not previously broadcast in the UK.

BBC Two's flagship arts programme The Culture Show is to present Me, You and Doctor Who, with lifelong fan Matthew Sweet exploring the cultural significance of the BBC's longest running TV drama.

A 90-minute documentary on BBC Radio 2 will ask "Who Is The Doctor?" - using newly-recorded interviews and exclusive archive material to find an answer - while BBC Three will be home to several commissions.

Danny Cohen, Director BBC Television said:

"It's an astonishing achievement for a drama to reach its 50th anniversary. I'd like to thank every person - on both sides of the camera - who has been involved with its creative journey over so many years."

Smith has already started filming his final scenes as the Doctor, which are due to air in this year's Christmas episode. His replacement, Scottish actor Peter Capaldi, was announced in August.

Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer on Doctor Who said:

"50 years has turned Doctor Who from a television show into a cultural landmark. Personally I can't wait to see what it becomes after a hundred."

[Sources: BBC News]