New 'Torchwood' ideas are being 'held down' by the BBC, says John Barrowman

John Barrowman has said he would love to return to the role of Captain Jack Harkness on Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood, but said prospects for future series are “being kept held down” by the BBC.

The show last appeared in 2011 with the 10-part series Miracle Day, which was a co-production between the Beeb and US network Starz.

Barrowman has spoken on numerous occasions since of his desire to return to the show and told The Sun that it would be a “mistake” if it were never to come back.

Read more: Barrowman spoke to Doctor Who showrunner about Torchwood

The 52-year-old said: “I go to so many meetings in the US with some big networks and I’m always asked 'how do we get hold of the rights to do something with Torchwood?'

“People are interested in it but for some reason, it’s being kept held down by the Beeb.”

Torchwood debuted in 2006 as an adult-orientated spin-off of Doctor Who, with Barrowman’s supporting role from the parent show promoted to protagonist as the leader of the titular organisation.

Eve Myles, Burn Gorman, Naoko Mori and Gareth David-Lloyd formed the rest of the initial team.

Read more: Barrowman praises Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor

Barrowman added: “I know the fanbase and know people desperate for it to come back which I why I keep it alive as much as possible.

“But whether it does, or doesn’t, that’s another story. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to keep trying.”

The actor said he attends sci-fi conventions all over the world and is keen to give the fans what they want.

He has consistently reprised the Captain Jack role in other media, including audio books and radio plays.