**UPDATE – We now know that Torchwood: The New World will be hitting screens some time in 2011, head over HERE for the full low-down**

Back in August we spotted an interview with “Doctor Who” and “Torchwood” Godfather, Russel T. Davis in which the writer/director hinted at what could be to come in season four of the popular Doctor Who spin-off.

Now, talking to TV Guide Magazine, Davies reveals that he hopes to begin developing season 4 of Torchwood in January 2010!

“The recession has hit British television, but fingers crossed, it will be a go. We expect things to start to move in January. We’ve got great ideas for the show. I think there’s a further lease on life for many years to come, but certainly for a [fourth season].”

Torchwood: Children of Earth was a massive success when screened earlier this year, however the dark overtones and the death of popular character Ianto Jones have split fans down the middle, many of whom have accused Davies of getting too big for his boots. One FilmShaft reader said:

RTD destroyed Torchwood in an exercise of pure vanity to show US bosses that he was a tough writer. Well screw him and any season 4. It was bad enough to lose Owen and Tosh, but the killing of Ianto was too much.

It remains to be seen whether John Barrowman will return as Captain Jack Harkness, given his shock exit in Children of Earth, after causing the death of his own Grandson, however many fans speculate that we may see the return of one or two of the Doctor’s assistants in order to plug the gaps.