The BBC has decided to renew Torchwood, the Doctor Who spinoff that stars John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness, the head of a paranormal investigation unit.

During the Doctor Who panel at Comic-Con in San Diego, Davies confirmed that Torchwood has been picked up for a fourth season, although no other details were announced, including the number of episodes the fourth season will run, or what role Davies will play in the production.

"I can't say much about the new season," said Davies. "We haven't had meetings yet."

"We were astonished by the success of that last series," said Davies about the 5-episode miniseries "Children of Earth" that just aired in North America.

But for the fans who were screaming that the character of Ianto should return, Davies was clear on that matter.

"[The show] will be back, but maybe the ones you want to be back won't be back. If you're dead, you're dead."