THE Prince of Wales turned down an offer to star in science fiction hit Doctor Who, the show’s producer revealed yesterday.

Speaking at The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, writer and executive producer Russell T Davies told 2,000 sci-fi fans the Prince snubbed his invitation to star in the popular BBC drama.

Joined on-stage by actor John Barrowman, who plays Captain Jack Harkness in the hit series, Mr Davies OBE called the Prince a “miserable swine”.

Referring to his new book, Doctor Who: The Writer’s Tale, Mr Davies was asked about his plans for a Prince Charles cameo in the time-travelling series.

He said: “He turned us down, the miserable swine.”

Mr Davies, considered to be the leading force behind the 44-year-old show’s revival, recently announced his tenure as lead writer and executive producer would end in 2009.

The 45-year-old Welshman resisted giving away any secrets about the forthcoming specials or fifth series to the crowd in Cheltenham. Mr Barrowman, who also plays Captain Jack in Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood, said David Tennant was his favourite Doctor.

The 10-day literature festival, now in its 59th year, will see a host of political figures, writers, actors and comedians take part in more than 350 events across 20 different venues.