The beloved Time Lord isn’t going to get a rest anytime soon. There were earlier reports that BBC Wales was proposing a series of four specials in place of a new full season. It’s now been announced that 14 new episodes of Doctor Who have been ordered by the BBC, with Matt Smith in the lead role. As in the past, there will be 13 regular adventures and a holiday special.

A BBC spokesman said, “The new commission is a big commitment, not many other shows have such a commitment so far in advance.” The spokesman couldn’t say how many installments will actually end up airing in 2012.

The spokesman also denied rumors that the current season was split because of financial considerations. Showrunner Steven Moffat reportedly made the decision for “narrative” reasons.

Here’s the BBC press release:

Matt Smith to Return for New “Doctor Who” Series

Matt Smith has signed on to appear in a new series of Doctor Who, the BBC has confirmed.

Fourteen new episodes of the sci-fi show, executive produced by Steven Moffat, have been commissioned.

However it is not yet known when the new episodes will be broadcast.

The corporation also confirmed there would be six more episodes of the current series to be screened later this year and a 2011 Christmas special starring Smith is planned.

Sam Hodges, head of communications for BBC One, fiction and daytime, tweeted on Tuesday: “#DoctorWho is returning. Fourteen new episodes have been commissioned with Matt Smith as The Doctor #bbc1.”

Moffat later added: “14 eps + Matt DEFINITELY. I’ve got a plan and I’m NOT TELLING YOU WHAT IT IS.”

Earlier this month, the writer told the Radio Times the Daleks would be given “a rest” from the series.

“There’s a problem with the Daleks. They are the most famous of the Doctor’s adversaries and the most frequent, which means they are the most reliably defeatable enemies in the universe,” he said.

What do you think? Are you glad to hear Doctor Who will return? Do you like Matt Smith or would you prefer another actor in the role?