Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker made time (and space) in her busy schedule saving the universe to bring the TARDIS to this year’s Children in Need special.

The Timelord continued building anticipation for the upcoming 12th series of the science fiction series by popping into the BBC’s charity telethon on Friday night (November 15).

The segment told the story of a brave young girl called Anastasia, who’d used drama classes through Children in Need to rebuild her confidence. Talking to Tess Daly in studio, she explained how the CiN-funded programme changed her life.

“It’s very creative and we get to make lots of friends. The adults are very nice and we get to perform a show at the end,” she explained to Tess.

Tess then shared a video with the Doctor Who cast sending best wishes to Anastasia live from America since she’s a massive fan of the show, but signal interruptions cut off the message.

With one blast of her Sonic Screwdriver, the TARDIS materialised behind the Children in Need video screen to surprise Anastasia — as Jodie, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill arrived on stage!

“You look like someone who is going to need your own Sonic Screwdriver,” Jodie told the beaming girl as she handed off a brand new Screwdriver, adding: “From one Doctor to the next!”

Backstage with Jodie Whittaker and the @bbcdoctorwho gang 🤩@BBCOne & @BBCiPlayer #ChildrenInNeed

— BBC Children in Need (@BBCCiN) November 15, 2019

Anastasia meeting Jodie Whittaker is probably my favourite Children In Need moment ever, my god what a reaction #ChildrenInNeed2019 #ChildrenInNeed #RepresentationMatters pic.twitter.com/QbLv99da3e

— Matt Sheriff (@i71Sheriff) November 15, 2019

Well that was just lovely, and the true power that Doctor Who still has. The absolute joy on that little girls' face. Wonderful.

Well done Jodie, @MandipGill
& @TosinCole #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/hSoNP3SEHl

— DWAS ONLINE (@DWASonline) November 15, 2019

Fans can expect something special next weekend as well, after the show’s official Twitter account encouraged fans to “make space” on Doctor Who Day (November 23).

The BBC did confirm earlier this week that showrunner Chris Chibnall has added three new writers and four new directors to his staff, in addition to bringing back veterans Vinay Patel (‘Demons of the Punjab’), Ed Hime (‘It Takes You Away’) and Pete McTighe (‘Kerblam!’).

Some eagle-eyed fans also recently spotted one of the show’s most iconic monsters during filming of one of the upcoming series 12 episodes, though the BBC has yet to confirm their return.

Don’t forget that you can still donate to Children in Need by visiting the website, or calling 0345 7 33 22 33. To donate £10 text the word DONATE to 70410, to donate £20 text DONATE to 70420 or to donate £30 text DONATE to 70430.

Doctor Who will early next year on BBC One in the UK and BBC America in the US.

Well that was just lovely, and the true power that Doctor Who still has. The absolute joy on that little girls’ face. Wonderful. Well done Jodie. @MandipGill & @TosinCole #DoctorWho