You probably must have already seen the new trailer of Doctor Who from the BBC and Helmer Russell Davies and wondered “What the hell is going on here?” (in Ncuti Gatwa’s voice… lol). Well, might be a long wait as the show is set to return in November 2023. But not to worry because you’re not alone.
Following its 60th anniversary specials, Davies, Doctor Who showrunner, promises fans that they’d be staggered with the surprises they have in store. In an interview with Doctor Who Magazine he said “It takes a while to get the empire in shape, but that’s a serious plan: annual ‘Doctor Who,’ no gap years, lots of content, on and on.”
“We wanted to give fans, friends and families a lovely little Christmas present – with a promise that 2023 will be a riot of Doctor Who goodness” he added. And as a special treat, the dropped a 60 secs trailer to give their viewers a glimpse into what is to come as the show preps for its 60th anniversary.
The showrunner also hinted that he would be inclined to bring back the Christmas day special, calling it a “tradition.”
“Oh, the joy of the first commission! [The Christmas Invasion, 2005] It really felt like Doctor Who coming home. A family show, sitting in the heart of a schedule stuffed full of Pixar movies, and extra-length specials, and sitcoms going abroad for no good reason! It was the ultimate vote of confidence from the BBC. We immediately started planning the next Christmas special. Within two years, everyone was calling it a tradition!”
Davies confirmed that Series 14 will only have an eight-episode run – which is actually fewer than the last full season – but said to give them time with a promise that they have plans. Davies further shared that there would be at least a 2023 and 2024 special: “The 2023 script has been long since signed off. The new one is for end-of-year 2024”, he said.
David Tennant is back as the Fourteenth Doctor and the three specials are going to air in November 2023 before Ncuti Gatwa takes over as the Fifteenth Doctor over the festive season, alongside Millie Gibson who has also been recently announced as Ruby Sunday.
It has also been disclosed that besides Yasmin Finnay, Neil Patrick Harris and Catherine Tate who had previously been announced, Jacqueline King will be reprising her role as Donna’s mother Sylvia and Karl Collins as Donna’s long suffering husband, Shaun.
The show is also to welcome Ruth Madaley who would be appearing as Shirley Anne Bingham as it airs in November 2023.
