THE dramatic ending to the weekend’s episode of Doctor Who showing Durdle Door has sparked a furious response from the land owners of the Dorset beauty spot.

Lulworth Estate has described the BBC’s request to film at the popular tourist attraction as “duplicitous and dishonest”.

The finale of the special centenary episode, which was broadcast on Sunday night, showed Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor with the Tardis on top of Durdle Door as she went through the process of regenerating into David Tennant.

Read more: BBC react to Durdle Door Doctor Who row

But the showcasing of one of Dorset's most popular visitor spots on prime time television has sparked a huge row, which could result in the BBC being banned from filming at Lulworth ever again.

James Weld, of Lulworth Estate, said: “We are aware of the Doctor Who episode where the final scene depicted the Doctor and the Tardis on top of Durdle Door.

“When consenting to the use of Durdle Door for an episode of Doctor Who, the BBC decided not to include a proper description of what they intended.

“If we had known we would not have agreed, because of the encouragement that this may give to some of our visitors to put themselves in a dangerous position, the consequences of which have been well documented.

“With any filming request we seek details of what is intended, and no mention was made by the BBC that they were seeking to portray the Tardis and the Doctor on top of Durdle Door, the consequences of which will have a potentially serious impact on our staff and the emergency services.

READ MORE: Durdle Door's famous arch stars in BBC's Doctor Who special

“We are disappointed that the BBC chose not to be honest with us when seeking our permission and have written to the BBC requesting that they provide us with an explanation about what we regard as a duplicitous and dishonest request to film.

“We are considering whether the BBC should now be prevented from filming at Lulworth in the future.

“Neither the Tardis nor the Doctor were actually on the top of Durdle Door, but this would not necessarily be accepted by viewers and has now increased the difficulties we continue to have regarding the safety of visitors to Durdle Door.”

Durdle Door has rocketed in popularity as a tourist destination in the past few years, particularly during the Covid pandemic, as crowds on staycation flocked to the famous limestone arch.

READ MORE: Air ambulances land at Durdle Door to treat people seriously injured jumping off arch

In May 2020, visitors were urged to stay away from Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door after two people were seriously injured jumping from the top of the arch.

At least four people were encouraged to jump from the landmark by baying crowds on the beach, with thousands of people evacuated from the area as the situation was declared a critical incident by emergency services.

Two people jumped off the top of the arch, which left both severely injured.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency declined to comment at this time but advised people to read the safety advice on their website.

We have contacted the BBC for comment.