We may be only three episodes into the new series of ‘Doctor Who’, but BBC bosses are reportedly already panicking over the drop in viewing figures. According to The Mirror, the dip in viewer numbers is causing the Beeb to consider scrapping next year’s series of ‘Doctor Who’ in favour of airing 'Sherlock' style ­feature-length ­special episodes.

Doctor Who‘Doctor Who’ could soon get the ‘Sherlock’ treatment, with feature-leith style special episodes.

A BBC source admitted to the newspaper, “'Doctor Who’s' decline is very worrying and needs to be addressed. At this stage all options are being ­considered. Everyone accepts that drastic action may be needed.”

More: Slipknot's Corey Taylor To Voice Alien Warlord In 'Doctor Who’

The current series of ‘Doctor Who’ has seen viewing figures plunge to below four million. The drop is particularly worrying as the programme brings in massive revenue for the BBC, including being its biggest-selling ­show overseas, earning an estimated £60million a year.

The Mirror also reports that even more drastic is action is being considered, including rebooting the series with a new cast in 2017. ‘Lady Chatterley’ star Richard Madden is said to be the top name in contention, although BBC1 controller Charlotte Moore has not ruled out introducing a female Doctor Who.

Addressing the rumours, A BBC spokesman simply said, “We are only three weeks into this year’s run. It is far too early to discuss next year’s commission.” But fans already know that Jenna Coleman, who plays the Doctor’s assistant Clara Oswald, will be bowing out before the end of the current series.

More: 'Doctor Who' Channels The Beatles For Abbey Road Photoshoot, But What Does It Mean For Clara's Fate?

Coleman is leaving the show after scoring the part of Queen Victoria in a new ITV drama. Speaking to Nick Grimshaw on Radio One last month Coleman said, “I have left the TARDIS, I have, it’s happened. I’ve filmed my last scenes. It was emotional. It’s been in the works for a very long time…It will happen at some point this season. Hopefully people will love it.”