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Doctor Who season 14 earned a spot among top Disney Plus shows globally

Doctor Who season 14 earned a spot among top Disney Plus shows globally

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Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson leaning against one another, smiling ahead. They are dressed as The Doctor and Ruby Sunday in the middle of the TARDIS.
BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

The future of Doctor Who beyond the upcoming season 15 might remain up in the air, but a recent announcement from Disney Plus has given fans reason to be hopeful.

In a recent release confirming the new season’s 12th April launch date, the streamer also gave an indication of how the previous run of episodes starring Ncuti Gatwa had performed.

The release reveals that Doctor Who “was a top 5 series on Disney+ globally every week it aired”.

It also cites the series as “one of the most watched programmes on [BBC] iPlayer and , as well as being the BBC’s top drama for under 35’s this year”.

Doctor Who’s 14th season has seen a shift in viewing habits, with traditional overnight ratings appearing lower than previous years but consolidated figures showing a more positive trend. The BBC has defended the show’s performance, citing its strong appeal among younger audiences and its success on BBC iPlayer.

“It’s not doing that well in the ratings, but it is doing phenomenally well with the younger audience that we wanted,” showrunner Russell T Davies said in June last year.

Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday on Doctor Who. They are both looking at an object that Ncuti is holding as they are stood in the TARDIS.
Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday on Doctor Who James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios

The season saw the long-running sci-fi series adopt a new release model, with episodes dropping on iPlayer at midnight before their BBC One broadcast.

Davies has also defended the release model, arguing that it aligns with modern viewing habits. He described the midnight iPlayer release as the “future” of television, allowing audiences to watch at their convenience.

There will, however, be a shift for the upcoming season, which will debut new episodes on iPlayer at the later time of 8am.

While the BBC remains committed to Doctor Who, the show’s future is partially tied to its partnership with Disney Plus, which provides international distribution and financial backing – and speculation over whether Disney will continue its involvement has raised questions about the show’s long-term sustainability.

Despite this uncertainty, Davies has already begun writing season 16 – with a final decision on a renewal set to be made after season 15 has aired.

Doctor Who season 15 will see Ncuti Gatwa reprise his role as the Fifteenth Doctor. He’ll be joined by Varada Sethu as his new companion, Belinda Chandra, while Millie Gibson’s Ruby Sunday will also return, continuing her story after finding her biological family.

A star-studded guest lineup has been announced, including Alan Cumming as Mr Ring-a-Ding, an animated character wreaking havoc in a 1952-set episode, while other guest stars include Christopher Chung and Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Original Doctor Who star ponders ’emotional’ return

Original Doctor Who star ponders ’emotional’ return

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A recent photo of Carole Ann Ford smiling at a BBC event marking the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who in 2023
Carole Ann Ford is the last surviving original cast member of Doctor Who

The last surviving cast member from the very first Doctor Who series said she would like to return to the show as the 60th anniversary of her final appearance approaches.

Carole Ann Ford, from Ilford, played Susan, granddaughter of the Doctor played by William Hartnell when the BBC show started in 1963. The character has been frequently mentioned in the recent series with Ncuti Gatwa.

During an appearance at Luton Comic Con, the actress said she wanted to return although she admitted it “would be very emotional.. very emotional”.

“I don’t know if I could survive the excitement actually, it would be intense beyond all intensity,” she said.

Actress Carol Ann Ford Who Played Companion Susan In Doctor, 56% OFF
Actress Carol Ann Ford Who Played Companion Susan In Doctor Who

The 84-year-old is the last member of the original cast following the death of William Russell in June.

She said: “It’s not just returning, it would bring back all the memories of William Russell and Jackie and Bill [William Hartnell] and various other people who aren’t with us anymore.

“I might be a little bit overcome and start blubbing.

“I keep being reminded I’m the last one standing and it’s not something I’m happy to hear.”

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Carole Anne Ford (Middle) with Jacqueline Hill (left) and William Russell (right) as the original TARDIS team.

She appeared as the granddaughter of the original Doctor, played by William Hartnell, but was left behind after a showdown with the Daleks set in Bedfordshire and broadcast on 26 December 1964.

At the time, the Doctor promised to return for her, but despite an appearance in the 20th anniversary special The Five Doctors, a story that would address the reunion between the characters is yet to take place.

“He said he’d come back and get me and never did. I’d give him a good telling off if I saw him again,” she said.

“I understand their dilemma, how difficult it must be to write for me. It has been 60 years since I was first in it.

“I’ve met Russell [T Davies] a few times and I absolutely adore him. He is the man that would be the boss man to say yes or no – so hopefully it’s going to be yes.”

Last year the character returned to screens in a newly colourised version of the 1963 episode, The Daleks, which was broadcast on BBC Four to mark the show’s 60th anniversary.

The actress encouraged fans to be vocal in their support of her return if there was any chance of her returning.

In an interview on BBC Three Counties Radio, she hinted that she had had “one or two” conversations about returning in the past.

“I’ve had many conversations about going back, maybe not with the right people, I don’t know,” she added.

When it was suggested her character could be recast, she joked: “They better not, I’d burn the studio down.”

RUTH MADELEY JOINS DOCTOR WHO SPIN-OFF

RUTH MADELEY JOINS DOCTOR WHO SPIN-OFF

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Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw Lead Cast of Doctor Who Spin-Off Series for the BBC and Disney+, The War Between The Land And The Sea, alongside Doctor Who Alumni Jemma Redgrave and Alexander Devrient.

Also starring in the series will be Ruth Madeley, reprising her role as UNIT advisor Shirley Anne Bingham. The series is created by Doctor Who Showrunner and Executive Producer Russell T Davies, who has written the series with Pete McTighe.

Leading the five-part series is Russell Tovey (Feud, American Horror Story: NYC) and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Surface, Loki). The series will also see the return of UNIT alumni Jemma Redgrave (Doctor Who, Grantchester) who will reprise her role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart and Alexander Devrient (Doctor Who, Ted Lasso) as Colonel Ibrahim.

When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war. 

Russell T Davies, Showrunner, Writer and Executive Producer said:

“I’m so lucky to work with such a magnificent cast. And this is a huge, muscular, thrilling drama which will shake The Whoniverse to its foundations.  When the Doctor’s not in town, the whole of humanity is in trouble.” 

Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama, BBC said:

“The War Between The Land and The Sea is another utterly unique and gripping drama from Russell T Davies and we’re delighted to welcome the show to The Whoniverse! Featuring a stellar cast, with Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw taking on leading roles, this brand new epic mini series will leave audiences on the edge of their seats as they watch UNIT take on one of their biggest battles to save humanity.”

Filming begins this month and will be directed by Dylan Holmes-Williams, director of two ‘Doctor Who’ Season One episodes – ‘73 Yards’ and ‘Dot and Bubble’. 
Watch the new trailer for Series 14!

Watch the new trailer for Series 14!

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Ready to rock through time? Watch the new trailer for Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson’s first season of Doctor Who!

The new season of Doctor Who will see Ncuti Gatwa return as the Fifteenth Doctor, alongside Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday, it comes after they made their highly acclaimed debut on Christmas Day in The Church on Ruby Road. Within the upcoming series, audiences will see the Doctor and Ruby travel through time and space on adventures to unknown lands, to the Regency era in England, to outer space worlds and the sixties.

It will premiere simultaneously for the first time on BBC iPlayer and Disney+. 

In the UK, the first two new episodes of the season will premiere at 00:00 on 11 May on BBC iPlayer, and then on BBC One later that day. Episodes will drop on BBC iPlayer followed by a primetime slot on BBC One each week following that.

Outside the UK, Doctor Who begins streaming 10 May at 7pm ET on Disney+ where available, giving audiences a simultaneous global launch.

DOCTOR WHO EPISODE TITLES:

Space Babies: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Julie Anne Robinson

The Devil’s Chord: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Ben Chessell

Boom: Written by Steven Moffat, directed by Julie Anne Robinson

73 Yards: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Dylan Holmes Williams

Dot and Bubble: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Dylan Holmes Williams

Rogue: Written by Kate Herron and Briony Redman, directed by Ben Chessell

The Legend of Ruby Sunday: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Jamie Donoughue

Empire of Death: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Jamie Donoughue

Russell T Davies on reviving the Doctor Who Experience: “Once bitten, twice shy”

Russell T Davies on reviving the Doctor Who Experience: “Once bitten, twice shy”

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Russell T Davies in front of a backdrop with the "Doctor Who" logo and the BBC emblem. He wears glasses and a dark jacket over a collared shirt.
Russell T Davies

The Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff was adored by fans, offering the opportunity to see classic costumes and props as well as take part in interactive experiences inspired by the BBC sci-fi series.

The exhibition closed its doors after five years in Cardiff in September 2017 – but could it ever return?

Though Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies isn’t ruling out the opening of a similar attraction in future, he did caution that any such project was unlikely in the immediate future during an interview on the Firecrotch & Normcore: They Like To Watch podcast.
 

“That Doctor Who Experience lost a lot of money,” Davies explained. “That’s not a secret, it just did”. “I loved it – it was brilliant, it was so lavish… no wonder it lost money. So it’s kind of ‘once bitten, twice shy’.”

Doctor-Who-News
The Doctor Who Experience

Davies said that he and the creative forces behind Doctor Who will “see how successful it becomes” before committing to any franchise expansions.

“If it starts to get the kids watching, if it starts to sell the toys, if it starts creating demand, then it’ll start to happen. Right now, it’s a difficult time for that.”

Davies did add, though, that “the early signs are great” for the new era of Doctor Who, which stars Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor and sees the BBC partner with Disney for global distribution of the series.

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The Doctor Who Experience.

The new season of Doctor Who is set to launch on 11th May in the UK, with the first two episodes available on iPlayer from midnight, with a BBC One broadcast following later on Saturday evening.

Millie Gibson will star opposite Gatwa’s Doctor as new companion Ruby Sunday, while other returning cast will include Jemma Redgrave (Kate Stewart), Anita Dobson (Mrs Flood), Michelle Greenidge (Carla Sunday), Yasmin Finney (Rose Noble), and Bonnie Langford (Mel Bush).

Joining the returnees will be new guest cast including Aneurin Barnard, Jinkx Monsoon, Indira Varma, and Lenny Rush.

Ex-showrunner Steven Moffat will also be back to write episode 3 of the eight-part series.

Welcome to The Whoniverse where every Doctor, every companion and hundreds of terrifying monsters live.

Welcome to The Whoniverse where every Doctor, every companion and hundreds of terrifying monsters live.

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The word Whoniverse was invented by fans, so it’s time to give it official status. And Tales of the TARDIS is one of the greatest delights of my career – to see old Doctors and companions reunited, still fighting the good fight, is a perfect way to celebrate the Doctor’s 60th birthday!

— Russell T Davies, Doctor Who Showrunner
As over 800 episodes of Doctor Who land on BBC iPlayer they will all sit in one place – The Whoniverse.Welcome to the world where you can find every Doctor, every companion and, terrifyingly, hundreds of monsters that have appeared in Doctor Who. From 1 November, The Whoniverse will become the official name, and dedicated home, for all shows within the orbit of Doctor Who which will live on BBC iPlayer. With over 800 episodes of Doctor Who content already in the back catalogue, The Whoniverse will launch with a brand new logo, and every piece of Doctor Who content will carry a brand new ident, instantly bringing all the Doctor Who worlds together in one place and it will continuously expand.The first exclusive content to land in the Whoniverse will be Tales of the TARDIS, a brand new six-part series that reunites beloved classic Doctor Who duos, as they board a very special TARDIS on a nostalgic voyage through space and time.

Peter Purves and Maureen O’Brien (Image: Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)

Reprising their roles as the Doctor and companions to go on a timey-wimey spin down memory lane in these unmissable adventures are; Maureen O’Brien and Peter Purves, Frazer Hines and Wendy Padbury, Katy Manning and Daniel Anthony, Peter Davison and Janet Fielding, Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant, and Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred.

Frazer Hines and Wendy Padbury (Image: Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)
Katy Manning and Daniel Anthony (Image: Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)

These Doctor Who legends step back into character to reflect on their adventures and in the process they discover something new, leaving viewers with a new insight into the story of each timeless pair.

Over six parts, each episode of Tales of the TARDIS features a different duo, with brand new scenes woven together with classic episodes to create a feature-length omnibus episode.

Peter Davison and Janet Fielding (Image: Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)
Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant (Image: Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)

With new scenes written by Showrunner Russell T Davies, and previous Doctor Who writers Phil Ford and Pete McTighe, Tales of the TARDIS allows fans to rediscover the stories they love whilst inviting new viewers to explore the vast mythology of the Doctor.

Russell T Davies, Doctor Who Showrunner says:

“The word Whoniverse was invented by fans, so it’s time to give it official status. And Tales of the TARDIS is one of the greatest delights of my career – to see old Doctors and companions reunited, still fighting the good fight, is a perfect way to celebrate the Doctor’s 60th birthday!”

Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred (Image: Alistair Heap/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)

Dan McGolpin, Director of iPlayer and Channels adds:

“I’m delighted to welcome Tales of the TARDIS exclusively to BBC iPlayer, the home of Doctor Who, which is consistently one of our most popular programmes every single week of the year. Tales of the TARDIS will sit within The Whoniverse and features brand new and incredibly moving scenes with well-loved characters; it will be a fantastic starting point for a new generation to discover some of the most classic episodes and a joyous way for longstanding fans to catch up with old friends.”

Viewers can discover Tales Of The TARDIS when The Whoniverse launches on 1st November, with the extensive back catalogue of Doctor Who.

Tales of the TARDIS is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios Productions for BBC iPlayer. Executive Produced by Russell T Davies, Jane Tranter, Julie Gardner, Phil Collinson and Joel Collins. It is produced by Scott Handcock and directed by Joshua M. G. Thomas. The episodes are written by Russell T Davies, Phil Ford, and Pete McTighe.

Doctor Who: Unleashed is set to land on BBC Three

Doctor Who: Unleashed is set to land on BBC Three

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Over the years, I meet so many people who were inspired to find careers in TV, because of the behind-the-scenes material the BBC would show. And now it’s back, in the grand old tradition of Doctor Who Confidential, but in a brand new form, Unleashed! So a whole new generation – and faithful fans of old – can see what the stars and the crew get up to behind the cameras.

— Russell T Davies, Doctor Who Showrunner
Just as you come out from behind the sofa, it is time to step behind the scenes as Doctor Who: Unleashed lands on BBC Three and iPlayer this November. A brand new access all areas show, Doctor Who: Unleashed will give viewers an unmissable insight into the world of Doctor Who. Host Steffan Powell (BBC Gaming Correspondent and former Radio 1 Newsbeat Presenter) has been given the keys to the TARDIS and, after every episode of Doctor Who, viewers can switch over to BBC Three or iPlayer as Steffan takes viewers on a journey showing them just how this out of this world drama is made. With exclusive interviews with the stars in front of the camera, as well as those behind it, Unleashed is the ultimate companion to Doctor Who. Doctor Who: Unleashed has been produced by Bright Branch Media for BBC Studios for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.Russell T Davies, Doctor Who Showrunner says:

“Over the years, I meet so many people who were inspired to find careers in TV, because of the behind-the-scenes material the BBC would show. And now it’s back, in the grand old tradition of Doctor Who Confidential, but in a brand new form, Unleashed! So a whole new generation – and faithful fans of old – can see what the stars and the crew get up to behind the cameras.”

Jo Pearce, Bright Branch Creative Director and Doctor Who: Unleashed Executive Producer says:

“This series gives audiences access to all areas, led brilliantly by Steffan Powell, viewers are invited to see what really goes into the making of Doctor Who. It’s been such a privilege to create this show and we’re so grateful to the cast and crew who welcomed us in and allowed us to tell the story behind the drama.”

Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience (BBC iPlayer and BBC Three) says:

“Doctor Who is a show that needs no introduction, so it goes without saying that BBC Three and iPlayer are thrilled to introduce this incredible new series that invites viewers into the world of Doctor Who, showing them just what really goes on.:

Steffan Powell, Host of Doctor Who: Unleashed says:

“When you’re told Russell T Davies is asking for you to present a show, you say, ‘when does he want me?’ Doesn’t matter, I’ll be there… There’s a really fun and fascinating group of people bringing Doctor Who to life – I can’t wait for the audience to meet them. I’m so chuffed to have been trusted to help tell, in all its glory, the story of what goes into making the magic happen.”

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Doctor Who: Unleashed is a new 30 minute factual entertainment series produced by Bright Branch for BBC Studios for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning and Fiona Campbell, Controller of Youth Audience (BBC Three and BBC iPlayer). The Executive Producer for Bright Branch is Jo Pearce and the Series Producer is Ian Durham. The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Rachel Ashdown and Pinki Chambers.

Steffan is a presenter and journalist from the Amman Valley in South Wales. A familiar voice to millions following his years working on BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat, he became BBC News’ first ever Gaming and Culture Correspondent in 2021. He is often seen reporting across BBC News programmes like the 6 and 10pm TV News. He’s presented the Proms from the Royal Albert Hall and was a member of the BBC radio presentation team for the King’s Coronation. He can often be heard presenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and seen presenting factual entertainment programmes on Welsh language TV station S4C.

New Doctor Who trailer for 60th Anniversary Specials released

New Doctor Who trailer for 60th Anniversary Specials released

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Just as viewers were about to enter the ballroom for the first live show of Strictly Come Dancing 2023, they were transported to the TARDIS with an exclusive new trailer revealing more of what’s to come when Doctor Who returns this November.

“If destiny exists, then it is heading for Donna Noble…”

Partners in crime once more! – Destiny isn’t done with the Doctor and Donna just yet…

The brand new trailer features Neil Patrick Harris waltzing onto the scene, as it is now revealed that he will play the Toymaker, all-powerful enemy last seen in 1966 – but what is it that brings the Doctor face-to-face with this enemy from his past?

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“He is remembering me…” The Toymaker, an all-powerful enemy last seen in 1966

Also shown, UNIT is back with a bang! Jemma Redgrave reprises her iconic role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart alongside David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor.

“What can we do, Doctor?” UNIT is back with a bang!

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Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart

Russell T Davies, Showrunner says:

“This is just the start, as the fever starts to burn. We’re heading for a November full of Doctor Who surprises, for fans and new viewers alike. Stay alert!”

Doctor Who returns in November 2023 with three special episodes with David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor to coincide with the 60th anniversary. Ncuti Gatwa’s first episode as the Fifteenth Doctor will air over the festive period.

Doctor Who @ 60: A Musical Celebration announced by BBC Radio 2

Doctor Who @ 60: A Musical Celebration announced by BBC Radio 2

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Doctor Who: Once and Future logo

An epic concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 this autumn to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who.

The event joins a packed line-up of festivities, which include Russell T Davies’s trilogy of special episodes – leading into the much-anticipated season 14 – and a new Big Finish storyline titled Once and Future.

Doctor Who @ 60: A Musical Celebration will take place at BBC Hoddinott Hall in the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, where the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC Singers will perform iconic tracks from the show.

Work by composers including Murray Gold, Segun Akinola, Dudley Simpson and Paddy Kingsland will be featured, along with the unforgettable theme music dreamt up by Delia Derbyshire and Ron Grainer.

Alastair King will be on-hand to conduct the singers, while Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies and returning composer Gold are also expected to be in attendance.

More news will be announced in due course, ahead of the concert being held and broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in the autumn.

News that Gold is back on Doctor Who was certainly music to the ears of many fans, after his legendary work during Davies’s first run on the show included dramatic themes for The Doctor, three companions and several formidable foes.

It will be a thrill to see what he can come up with for the new era of the show, which sees Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa take on the role of The Doctor, with Coronation Street’s Millie Gibson as his human companion, Ruby Sunday.

An End Which Spells A New Beginning…

An End Which Spells A New Beginning…

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David Tennant back as The Doctor!

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!

— Russell T Davies, showrunner

As a special Christmas treat, Doctor Who landed a sixty second action packed trailer today giving viewers a glimpse of what’s to come as the show prepares to enter its 60th year.

With David Tennant back as the Doctor, the three specials will air in November 2023 before Ncuti Gatwa takes control of the TARDIS over the festive season.

It has now been revealed that alongside previously announced Catherine Tate, Yasmin Finney and Neil Patrick Harris, Jacqueline King will be reprising her role as Donna’s mother Sylvia, and Karl Collins as Donna’s long suffering husband, Shaun.

The show also welcomes Ruth Madeley who will be appearing as Shirley Anne Bingham.

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Donna Noble (Catherine Tate)
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Sylvia (Jacqueline King), Shaun (Karl Collins) and Rose (Yasmin Finney)
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Shirley Ann Bingham (Ruth Madeley)

With glimpses of monsters and the return of UNIT, the three specials are set to be explosive as Doctor Who returns in November 2023.

Russell T Davies, showrunner says: “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!

Doctor Who will return to screens for three specials in November 2023 to coincide with the 60th anniversary with David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor.

Ncuti Gatwa takes over the role as the Fifteenth Doctor over the festive season 2023 alongside Millie Gibson who has recently been announced as Ruby Sunday.