Doctor Who sets 2nd Guinness record

Guinness World Records has named DoctorWho the most successful science-fiction series, the second Guinness record for the much-loved BBC-TV production.

The new honour was based on a combination ofratings, DVD sales, book sales and downloading popularity for the show, which has had several incarnations since it first ran in 1963.

"It is too good a show to have just one record,"Guinness editor-in-chief Craig Glenday said after handing over the awardSunday to Russell T. Davies, the show's current producer and chief writer.

Doctor Who also holds the Guinness record for longest-running sci-fi TV series, though that honour is controversial. Stargate SG-1, which ran 10 years, has received the record for longest-running consecutive sci-fi series.

The latest incarnation of the series, launched in 2005,is about to get a new lead actor. Matt Smith is to succeed David Tennant, who succeeded Christopher Eccleston as the doctor-cum-alien who travels through time in his ship, the Tardis. Smith will be the 11th Time Lord since 1963.

The show has been aired on CBC, as well as going into international syndication.