Davros is to make a return in the new series of Doctor Who, with the evil dictator and creator of the Daleks set to appear as a child in season opener 'The Magician's Apprentice', according to the Daily Mirror newspaper.

Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi

Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi

In the adventure, the Doctor - played by Peter Capaldi - travels to the Daleks' home planet Skaro and encounters Davros on the battlefield. He will then be presented with the moral decision as to whether or not murder the young Davros in order to stop him from creating the mutated monsters.

The episode is based on a famous line from Fourth Doctor Tom Baker's classic adventure 'Genesis of the Daleks' - Davros' first on-screen appearance - in which the time traveller says "if someone who knew the future pointed out a child to you and told you that child would grow up totally evil, to be a ruthless dictator who would destroy millions of lives, could you then kill that child?"

The plot sees Davros take the Doctor hostage on Skaro as he tries to save the Daleks from dying out.

Davros was last seen in 'Doctor Who' in the 2009 two-parter 'The Stolen Earth' / 'Journey's End' opposite Tenth Doctor David Tennant.

He was defeated by companion Donna Noble - played by Catherine Tate - the ending was ambiguous as to whether or not he was killed in the final battle.

'Doctor Who' - which also stars Jenna-Louise Coleman as companion Clara Oswald - returns to BBC One this autumn.

Confirmed guest stars include 'Game of Thrones' actress Maisie Williams and Rufus Hound.