I figured somethig like this was coming after the four specials experiment last year. The BBC was looking for a way to get around the budet constraints of making a thirteen episode season. According to showrunner Steven Moffat, the sixth series is going to be split into two parts: seven episodes ending with a cliffhanger and then the final six. Less cynical fans say this is because Moffat is also working on the hit show Sherlock. That may very well be a factor, but I cannot help ut think the BBC wants to pull a Battlestar Galactica with DVD sales by selling two half season sets, then releasing an entire series set shortly thereafter.
The BBC had been talking about eight episode series for the show or alternating full, thirteen episode series with four or five holiday specials. The split solution sounds like a compromise, but I till bet is motivated by DVD sales. Doctor Who is the BBC’s most profitable show worldwide. They are going to milk the cow as much as possible.
