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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Doctor Who fans react as 'dream team' Catherine Tate and David Tennant to return

Doctor Who fans have now not only found out who the new Time Lord in the last week but they've also been treated to the news that two favourites are set to make a huge return.

On Sunday (May 15) it was revealed that one of the most loved pairings in Doctor Who’s history of David Tennant and Catherine Tate have reunited and are filming scenes that are due to air in 2023 to coincide with the show's 60th anniversary celebrations.

David played the 10th Doctor on the time travel drama from for five years while Catherine played companion Donna Noble. The Doctor and Donna parted ways when the Doctor had to wipe Donna's memory, making her forget him, in order to save her life in scenes aired on the hit sci-fi series in 2010.

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And in his last ever episode, David’s critically acclaimed portrayal of the Doctor famously said: "I don’t want to go…" Well it seems he has got what he wanted as the iconic duo are on their way back.

Sharing the news, Russell T Davies, said: "They're back! And it looks impossible - first, we announce a new Doctor, and then an old Doctor, along with the wonderful Donna, what on earth is happening? Maybe this is a missing story. Or a parallel world. Or a dream, or a trick, or a flashback. The only thing I can confirm is that it’s going to be spectacular, as two of our greatest stars reunite for the battle of a lifetime."

A synopsis teasing their Doctor Who return mentioned Donna’s memory wipe to save her life, adding that the Doctor had “left her family with a warning: if ever she remembers, she will die”. It adds: “But with the two coming face to face once more, the big question is, just what brings the Doctor and Donna back together?”.

And fans have been reacting to the news in their droves with the announcement on the Doctor Who official Twitter page reaching up more than 50,000 likes and tens of thousands of comments.

The pair back in 2006 (BBC)

@TheGeeksHandbag said: "I absolutely can not WAIT to see these two back together again!! RTD, I love you #DoctorWho." @Snyder_Cut_240 wrote: "THIS IS AMAZING!!!! NOW ANNOUNCE MATT SMITH AND KAREN GILLAN!! #DoctorWho."

@JoblessOrc responded to the news: "I could actually cry." @meg_h_s cheered: "I just absolutely love the plans Russell has with the show. RTD2 is going to be IMMENSE. I love this show." @Julesthejet screamed: "THE DREAM TEAM BACK AT IT AGAIN #DoctorWho."

David took over the starring role in 2005 from Christopher Eccleston and was succeeded by Matt Smith while Billie Piper’s companion role was the first in the programme’s 2005 revival and was followed by Catherine as Donna. Opinionated Donna helped to save civilisation from the Daleks during her spell with the 10th Doctor but she had her memories of her adventures in the Tardis wiped, because the powers the Time Lord had given her threatened to overwhelm her brain. David was also seen in the 50th anniversary special, The Day Of The Doctor, in 2013.

The news was revealed a week after the BBC announced that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will be the next Doctor. The 29-year-old will be will be taking over from Jodie Whittaker to become the show’s 14th Doctor.

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