The BBC has been bombarded with complaints just minutes into the Doctor Who spin-off series, The War Between The Land And The Sea. 

From Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies, who is also behind hit drama It's A Sin, the new show is based in the same Whoniverse world as the long-running sci-fi hit. 

Making its debut on the BBC on Sunday, the five-part series tells the story of a fearsome and ancient species that emerges from the ocean and trigger an international crisis against humanity. 

With the population of the globe at risk, a task force has to step into action as the people of the land and the sea go to war - having little link to the Time Lord's antics.

Russell said of the storyline to Radio Times: 'Although it exists in the iconic character's universe, they are absent from this particular story. 

'It's little bit tougher than Doctor Who, it takes on tougher themes, and people have tougher reactions in it, again, because there' no Doctor.

'Normally the Doctor has a magic blue doorway they can take everybody safely through, that safety net has gone. You very much find these characters up against the wall and pushed to the limit.'

Given it's the first Doctor Who spin-off series since Torchwood came to an end in 2011, there were high hopes for it to be a hit, but viewers were less than impressed. 

Just minutes into the new show, they were taking to social media to complain about one problem - the sound levels and the volume of dialogue between the characters. 

A number of viewers said they were struggling to keep up with what was being said because of the way the volume had been balanced between music and speech.   

It was so bad for some viewers that they hit out an important speech in the first episode wasn't audible, admitting they relied on subtitles to know what was said. 

One fan wrote on an online forum: 'Why is the background music drowning out the dialogue? I can't hear a b****y thing!'

A second added: 'I cannot understand what anyone is saying,' as a third chimed in: 'Any chance you can turn the music down so I have a chance of actually hearing what's said.'

A fourth asked: 'Is The War Between The Land And The Sea really b****y quiet for anyone else? Had the volume on 8 for The Sea Devils, I've had to knock it up to 30.'

'Had to turn on subtitles can't hear a d**n thing,' someone else agreed, while a sixth concluded: 'The sound mix is iffy on The War Between The Land And The Sea - the dialogue is so lost in the mix - we’ve had to triple the volume since.'

Earlier this year it was revealed that another Doctor Who spin-off series is in the works and is set to launch on children's channel CBeebies - targeting a whole new audience.

The pre-school animation series will bring the iconic Doctor to screens for a younger viewers. 

'The BBC is set to expand the Whoniverse as it launches plans for a brand new pre-school animation series which will see the Doctor's adventures come to CBeebies for the first time ever,' the announcement read.

'The BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show, that will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends.

'And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way…'

BBC boss Patricia Hidalgo described it as an 'exciting opportunity. She said: 'Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor! 

'This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format. 

'This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK's animation industry.'

As a matter of policy, the BBC invites production companies to pitch for new series when they are announced.

Their official guidance explains: 'Since 2016 the BBC has been putting all new business out to competition, and tendering a number of returning network television series made by BBC Studios as part of its commitments in the BBC Charter, which sets out that 100% of relevant television content should be open to competition by the end of 2027.

'These opportunities will be open to any independent production company who meet the eligibility criteria, along with BBC Studios. The criteria will vary by programme, depending on the requirements of the show.'

It comes after Ncuti's time on Doctor Who came to an end in May when the curtains were drawn on the most recent season. 

In a statement released by the BBC Ncuti, said: 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever.

'There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.'

'I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor,' he added. 

The announcement put an end to speculation that Ncuti would not return as the Doctor.