Doctor Who has been criticised by Christian groups for insinuating that the Time Lord is a second Messiah.

The special Christmas Day episode of the show, which features Kylie Minogue, was accused of subverting religious iconography.

In 'Voyage of the Damned' The Doctor, played by David Tennant, saves a ship from a meteorite storm and persuades the passengers of his magical powers.

Writer Russell T Davies defended the use of the imagery in the episode, saying: "The series lends itself to religious iconography because the Doctor is a proper saviour. He saves the world through the power of his mind and passion."

But group Christian Voice insisted that the Doctor is nothing like a Messiah. Director of the organisation, Stephen Green, said: "The Doctor would have to do a lot more than the usual prancing around to be a messiah. He has to save people from their sins."