The new DR. WHO, now filming in England, has been struck by a crippling shortage of midget actors.

It seems that with HARRY POTTER and WILLY WONKA also filming, dwarven actors are in demand as never before.

Dr Who executive producer Russell T Davies said: "It's very difficult to employ persons of restricted growth when, as our producer Phil Collinson says, `Bloody Gringotts and the Chocolate Factory are filming at the same time'."

Insiders on the BBC1 sci-fi drama admit it has proved a headache during shooting of the 13-part series, due to be wrapped up next month.

One said: "The two big movies have snapped up the talent. It's been hard to find who we want."

Perhaps the producers should watch the naked, drunken antics of Verne Troyer on THE SURREAL LIFE 4, and, like the rest of us, get their fill of midgets for ever and ever and ever.

Bring back Tom Baker!

How can you care about which doctor is the best when they're talking about MIDGETS, man?!?!

Midget shortage, that's funny on so many levels.

We should have been cloning midgets a long time ago obviously.

Yes. Yes it is.

When he was asked "Where is the oddest place you have gotten it on?" he responded in a shed.