BBC has released a new teaser image of the ninth season of "Doctor Who" [Photo: agencies]

As the anticipation for Doctor Who's next series builds, the BBC has released a new sneak peak.

Peter Capaldi's Time Lord is seen stepping from the TARDIS and onto a barren-looking landscape in the new picture.

Capaldi has hinted that series nine of the BBC sci-fi series will have an "epic sweep" and feature foes old and new.

Doctor Who will return to BBC One this autumn, with the Doctor making "a mistake that has cataclysmic repercussions" in the opening two-parter from head writer Steven Moffat.

Jenna Coleman will also return as companion Clara for the new series, while guest stars include Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell actor Paul Kaye.