BBC Three closure "an own goal" says Torchwood writer

Closing BBC Three would be "a risky decision", Doctor Who and Torchwood writer Chris Chibnall has said.

BBC News understand the television channel is to be closed and moved to an online-only service through the BBC iPlayer.

The announcement, part of a planned £100m saving in the BBC's budget, is expected to be made on Thursday.

Chris Chibnall, who has also written ITV's Broadchurch, said "The [viewing] figures for BBC Three are still very good".

"BBC Three is the one television service that does speak to a younger audience, and the younger audience is the BBC's future."