The BBC has released a lot of new information concerning the upcoming fourth series of Torchwood, which has been renamed from Torchwood: The New World to the new title of Torchwood: Miracle Day. Some of the information included could be seen as spoilers, so bear this in mind if you’re trying to remain spoiler-free for the new season!

Along with new cast member Mekhi Phifer who will be acting as CIA operative Rex Matheson, John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness) and Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper) have been joined by Bill Pullman (Independence Day) portraying protagonist Oswald Danes, Arlene Tur (Crash) portraying Dr. Vera Juarez, and Alexa Havins portraying Agent Esther Drummond.

As indicated by the character descriptions released by the BBC, the events that bring Captain Jack back to Earth and draw Gwen Cooper back into the world of Torchwood surround a mysterious event that would become known as Miracle Day — forcing the heroes, notably Gwen, to make some very challenging and “terrible decisions” for humankind. Essentially, Miracle Day ties into a global conspiracy being scrutinized by Rex Matheson and Esther Drummond.

The series introduction and plot synopsis from the BBC reads as follows:

One day, nobody dies. All across the world, nobody dies. And then the next day, and the next, and the next, people keep aging — they get hurt and sick — but they never die. The result: a population boom, overnight. With all the extra people, resources are finite. It’s said that in four months’ time, the human race will cease to be viable. But this can’t be a natural event – someone’s got to be behind it. It’s a race against time as C.I.A. agent Rex Matheson investigates a global conspiracy. The answers lie within an old, secret British institute. As Rex keeps asking “What is Torchwood?” he’s drawn into a world of adventure, and a threat to change what it means to be human, forever.

Torchwood, a spin-off series from Doctor Who, follows the adventures of Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper while they examine the existence of threats from extraterrestrial alien races on planet Earth. While an official announcement has not yet been made, it is believed that Torchwood: Miracle Day will be screened starting in July 2011.

[Source: The Doctor Who News Page]