While sparks flew between him and his assistant Rose in the BBC Wales-produced Christmas special, the 10th TV Doctor Who says there will be no hanky-panky in space.

He told the Roast: "The story between the Doctor and Rose is basically a love story without sex.

"That's certainly something we will continue to explore. But it's still absolutely celibate. I think that's very important.

"As soon as there's nookie in the Tardis, it would all go wrong."

 

David, 34, also revealed fans can look forward to learning more about the Doctor's sexuality in the much-awaited new series next spring.

Swansea writer Russell T Davies caused controversy by introducing a bisexual character - Captain Jack Harkness played by John Barrowman - in the last series.

And David said: "The Doctor's sexuality is explored as well. We have a gentle probe into that side of the Doctor's life but without dismantling sacred churches along the way."

Doctor Who took on Santa's assassins, an alien brass band and a killer Christmas tree in the special festive episode, which was filmed in Cardiff.

In the first Christmas special since 1965, he even had a sword fight with the leader of evil aliens the Sycorax dressed in nothing but stripy pyjamas.

David, who grew up in Scotland, has won the backing of fans since he took the role.

But he added: "To turn up on the first day of a job like this is daunting because you can see your own five-year-old self sitting with your beans on toast watching the telly and being entranced back in the '70s.

"To find yourself responsible for that... it does give you cause to take a deep breath."