THE Daleks will not be exterminated from the new series of Doctor Who, the BBC announced today.

The Sun launched a campaign to bring the Daleks back after it emerged that the estate of the late sci-fi writer Terry Nation was refusing to allow the BBC to use the metal monsters in the new series.

And today the BBC announced that the Daleks will star alongside actor Christopher Eccleston, the new Doctor, and Billie Piper, who plays his companion Rose Tyler.

Tim Hancock, agent for the Terry Nation Estate, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the Terry Nation Estate and the BBC have been able to reach agreement on terms for the use of the Daleks in the new Doctor Who series.

"We look forward to working closely with the production team in the forthcoming months."

Antony Wainer, of the Dr Who Appreciation Society, said the fan club was "absolutely delighted".

He said: "Not having the Daleks is like not having strawberries and cream at Wimbledon.

"They’re absolutely synonymous. You can’t have one without the other."

Mal Young, BBC Controller of Continuing Drama Series, said: "As well as coming face-to-face with a number of new and exciting monsters, it’s good news that the Doctor will also do battle with his arch enemy the Daleks in a series which promises to surprise and entertain a new generation."

The new 13-part series is set to reach TV screens next year and is currently filming in Cardiff and London.