Warning: contains some mild spoilers forDoctor Whoseries 8.

No-one actually hides behind their sofas do they?

saysDoctor WhoExecutive Producer Brian Minchin as we round a corner of the BBCs Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff.

But people like what you get out ofDoctor Who, Minchin answers, they like that the dangers real.

We did want a Doctor who was more unpredictable and had a bit of danger to him.

Hes got such energy to him.

Not many actors can do all that, then?

We wouldnt dream of it, Brian.

Along the way, Minchin gained a unique perspective for a non-showrunningDoctor Whoexec.

Its fair to say that the man knows and lovesDoctor Who.

And he loves Peter Capaldi as the Doctor.

Asked how long the casting shortlist was before Capaldi was selected, Minchins answer is endearingly love-struck.

We only had eyes for Peter he tells us, It was always Peter for us.

It was always Peter.

We only met Peter.

Im not sure he knew that, but hes the only one we met.

How excited were they when Capaldi agreed to the part?

We were completely thrilled because he wasexactlythe throw in of person we wanted.

The feeling, it appears, is mutual as Minchin goes on to explain.

Peter Capaldi has confected the most successful letter writing campaign in history he adds later with a smile.

He wrote in asking if he could be the Doctor forty years ago… and it worked!

How would Minchin say Capaldis Doctor differs to Matt Smiths?

It is entirely different from Matt.

It feels entirely new.

Thats the joy ofDoctor Who.

His characters starting again.

At first, hes a Doctor who doesnt know the format of the show.

Hes going to make his decisions on whathethinks is right and thats very exciting.

Was that Hartnell-inspired hands-on-lapels pose at the live BBC announcement Capaldis idea?

Ed Russell, Senior Brand Executive forDoctor Whonods.

Peters knowing, he knows everything, all the conventions.

In that case, has Capaldi requested anything to be worked in in homage to the previous Doctors?

Props or costumes, for instance?

He isnt learning karate though!

The changes, new gallery level aside, arent radical.

How do the changes to the TARDIS reflect the new Doctor?

It feels like something you could make yourself.

Its a little bit home-made.

The bookshelves and chalkboards give the new-look TARDIS something of a classroom-vibe, someone remarks.

Hes not a teacher really, but we are going back to Coal Hill where Clara is a teacher.

Claras double life is going to cause her some problems in series eight, Minchin tells us.

The relationship between the Doctor and Clara is really fantastic, its very different to what weve seen before.

How would Minchin characterise that relationship?

Its kind of unconventional.

What can he tell us about the character of Claras boyfriend, Danny Pink?

Hes in most of the series.

When we get a chance to collar Minchin alone, we ask him about his Doctor Who script-editing days.

Do you even if you dont want to treat it differently to other scripts?

When you get a script from Richard, you treat it differently because its so good, it works.

Weve got people like Frank Cottrell Boyce writing this series, whos amazing.

His mind and the way it works is astonishing.

You come away from every conversation with him feeling cleverer.

Theres people like Peter Harness writing an episode, which is amazing.

Ive worked with Neil Gaiman.

Everyones got a unique take onDoctor Who.

Shall we go and see a bit of the filming?

Lets go this way.

Its more dangerous this way.

Can we just stay here to watch the stunt?

I really want to see it.

We can at least watch the rehearsal.

I want to see it.

Were shushed ready for rolling, and he whispers, laughing Its not all about Peter, honestly!.