Panini UK today announces a change of editor for the long-running Doctor Who Magazine. The magazine, first published in 1979, celebrated its 500th issue last year, and is recognised by Guinness as the world’s longest-running TV tie-in magazine. Tom Spilsbury, editor since August 2007, is stepping down from his position after publication of issue 515 (on sale from Thursday 27 July 2017), and will be replaced by Marcus Hearn, a long-standing writer for DWM, who also previously co-edited the title in the 1990s, and has recently been the editor of the DWM Special Editions and the spin-off title The Essential Doctor Who.

Tom Spilsbury said: “After 10 years as editor of Doctor Who Magazine, it’s time for a change – both for me, and for the magazine. As the newly regenerated Second Doctor said in The Power of the Daleks, way back in 1966, ‘Life depends on change and renewal’, and I’ve made it a policy to always pay attention to my Doctor. Of course, it’s been a very difficult decision for me, to give up a job that I love so much. DWM has always been a part of my life – virtually my earliest memory of life on this planet was of my Dad buying a copy of issue 1 for me, way back in 1979, when I was just three years old. It was 2003 when I got the job of a lifetime as DWM’s assistant editor, and four years later, I finally got the top job. It’s been simply amazing to have had the honour to be producing the magazine over such a successful and eventful decade in Doctor Who’s history. However, having taken charge of 129 editions, including the 400th and 500th issues, it’s time for someone else to have a go in the driver’s seat. Marcus Hearn is a brilliant editor, and DWM is the greatest magazine in the galaxy. I’m so looking forward to being able to read it each month without already knowing what’s going to be in it! And I truly hope that I’ll still be around in the year 2054 to enjoy issue 1000, even if it’s beamed directly into our heads by then…”

Marcus Hearn said: “This magazine is unique, and it’s a unique honour to be entrusted with it. We’re all grateful to Tom for his unparalleled dedication. I’d like to build on his achievements, and I can’t wait to start working with my colleagues at Panini. A new chapter is about to begin for the television series, and this will be a new chapter for DWM too.”

Mike Riddell, Managing Director of Panini UK added: “Tom’s contribution to the magazine over the past 14 years has been immense and we will miss his passion and knowledge of the brand which is second to none. Marcus brings a fresh approach to the magazine as well as a wealth of experience in magazine publishing.”

DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE 515 is on sale from Thursday 27 July, 2017, price £5.99.