IT is nearly 60 years since Doctor Who began exploring time and space in his TARDIS space ship, becoming an icon of British culture along the way.

Now one of the biggest ever Doctor Who exhibitions is to be held in Edinburgh to celebrate the anniversary and reveal the secrets behind the classic science fiction series.

The National Museum of Scotland has secured the blockbuster show which will explore special effects, set designs and the creation of the Doctor's best-known enemies.

The exhibition, which is aimed at exploring the science behind the sci-fi series, has been developed in close collaboration with BBC Studios.

It will feature iconic monsters, gadgets, props, models, sketches, concept artworks and hands-on experiences.

The show, which will draw on the full heritage of Doctor Who, is expected to coincide with the arrival of Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa in the TARDIS as the new Doctor.

Displays and exhibits are expected to explore the links between Scotland and Doctor Who, including the three Scots to previously play the lead role - Sylvester McCoy, who hails from Dunoon, Argyll, and was the seventh Doctor, from 1987 to 1989; David Tennant, of Bathgate, West Lothian, who was the 10th Doctor, from 2005 to 2010 and Glasgow-born Peter Capaldi, who was the 12th Doctor , from 2013 to 2017. Tennant's father-in-law, Peter Davison, also happened to be the fifth Doctor in the early 1980s.

Created by exhibition designers Sarner International, the show will allow visitors to learn about what DNA manipulation, cloning and artificial intelligence may mean for the future of the human race.

The exhibition, which will run from December 10 until May 1, will explore whether time travel is possible, black holes and wormholes, and what life may be on other planets, all to mark the anniversary of the series.

It first aired on the BBC in 1963, on November 23, taking to the air 80 seconds behind schedule to to extra news bulletin announcements concerning the assassination of John F Kennedy the day before.

The exhibition coming to the Capital will be narrated by Game of Thrones star Mark Gatiss - co-creator of the BBC's Sherlock series and the writer of several episodes of Doctor Who.

He said: "So many people who have gone on to work in science have had their interest piqued by watching Doctor Who, and one of the amazing things about the show is its ability to make us wonder.

"I'm thrilled to be part of the exhibition and I do hope as many curiously minded people as possible take the opportunity to visit."

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, space scientist, author and presenter of the BBC's The Sky at Night programme, will provide expert analysis and explore the science behind the show.

She said: "As a child, science fiction played a critical role in my life and inspired me to become a space scientist - it allows us to explore tales of wonder and shows us the possibilities for the future and how science fiction can become science fact.

"I hope the exhibition - and my contribution to it - will inspire, inform and excite everyone in the same way."

Alison Cromarty, head of exhibitions and design at the National Museum of Scotland, said: "We are tremendously excited to be bringing this exhibition to Scotland.

"From the wonder of the science fiction of the TV show to our present-day understanding of the big scientific topics it touches on, there is something for everyone."

And Ed Cookson, projects director at Sarner International, said: "For almost 60 years, Doctor Who has been exploring mind-bending scientific developments.

"The iconic characters, monsters, stories, and settings of the television series provide a perfect guide through the wondrous worlds of space, time and science."

Scottish actor Gatwa, who was born in Rwanda and is best known for starring in Netflix's sitcom Sex Education, will take over from Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor when the series returns later this year, becoming the 14th Time Lord and the first person of colour to play the part. 

He said: "It feels really amazing. It's a true honour. This role is an institution and it's so iconic."

When his casting was revealed in May, he said he was "going to do my own thing" in the part, rather than basing the character on any previous Doctor.

Meanwhile, returning Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has commissioned a special behind-the-scenes series to run alongside the upcoming series, expected to air in the autumn.

The BBC Three Doctor Who spin-off series will be titled Doctor Who: Unleashed and give fans a sneak-peek at the filming process.

Tennant and his co-star from his Time Lord days, Catherine Tate, have also filmed scenes that are due to air this year to mark the 60th anniversary.