In case there were any lingering doubts, Doctor Who is renewed for an 8th season, and perhaps Peter Jackson directing isn’t far-fetched.

To be clear, we’re not entirely sure where the “Doctor Who is being canceled” people are milling about, because we haven’t seen evidence of doubt of renewal. Series ratings are at an all time high, both Matt Smith and Jenna-Lousie Coleman have indicated that they will be returning post-Christmas Special, and Steven Moffat has spoken several times about the show moving forward after the 50th anniversary special.

Nonetheless, Moffat clarified Doctor Who‘s future to Digital Spy after they caught up with him on last night’s BAFTA carpet.

“This is a thing that just seems to have slipped by… so can I say it very firmly – series eight is absolutely, definitely confirmed. It is real and it’s happening – it’s [taking up] most of my time at the moment…I get people telling me [that series eight is] not really happening. It really, definitely, honestly is!”

Perhaps doubt was cast when our resident Time Lord recently shaved his head for an upcoming Ryan Gosling movie? We assume his hair will grow by the time they film the Christmas special, they’ll get him a wig as was done for Karen Gillan, or he’ll be wearing a hat until it grows back.

It should be noted that season 8 episodes are likely not to air until the latter half of 2014. Generally speaking, there is roughly a nine to 12 month lag between filming and the actual episodes being aired. The exception is the Christmas episode, which traditionally shoots late summer.

As for the rumor and hope that Peter Jackson might direct in season 8, here’s what Steven Moffat had to say, or more aptly, tap-danced around.

In the video below Moffat speaks a bit about the 50th anniversary and the upcoming series.