Doctor Who is the longest running TV series of all time, and one of the most successful franchises ever.
The BBC show has become a staple of British television, weaving itself into the fabric of the nation across six decades and thirteen stars in the titular role.
Now the fourteenth is on the way, with the BBC confirming Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will be taking over the iconic role.
He will make his debut during the 60th anniversary, which will be taking place in 2023.
Fans have high expectations, as during the 50th anniversary both David Tennant’s and Matt Smith’s Doctors crossed over in an event fans had never witnessed before.
The plot is being kept in some deep dark vault somewhere, but other information is slipping through.
Here is everything we know about the Doctor Who 60th anniversary.
When is the Doctor Who 60th anniversary?
No official release date has been confirmed for the special anniversary event, though it will be taking place in 2023.
The exact date the show first aired was on November 23, but this will fall on a Thursday next year.
This means the safest bet for its premiere is either the weekend before or after, though the planned celebrations could be bigger than this.
There is a chance the special will be split into successive instalments, meaning both weekends could be utilised.
Who is writing the Doctor Who 60th anniversary?
When Jodie Whittaker announced her departure from the Tardis, so did writer and showrunner Chris Chibnall.
The BBC announced the return of Russell T Davies in September 2021, not only to oversee the anniversary, but to take over as showrunner once more.
Russell was the showrunner behind the show’s enormously successful return back in 2005, when Christopher Eccleston made his debut as a very northern Doctor.
The writer revolutionised the show 17 years ago, updating it for a new generation of audiences.
He will be doing the same now, as the anniversary will not only celebrate the show’s legendary past, but also take it into the future.
Who will star in the Doctor Who 60th anniversary?
Some of the more concrete news regarding the special is the cast, with Ncuti Gatwa’s new Doctor obviously taking centre stage.
Speaking of his new role, he said: “There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared.
“This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care.
“I will endeavour my utmost to do the same. “
Just as exciting is the return of David Tennant and Catherine Tate, playing their beloved roles of the Tenth Doctor and Donna, his last companion before Matt Smith took over the role.
Of their return, 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.”
They aren’t alone, as Donna’s mum, Sylvia Noble, will be returning with Jacqueline King back in the role.
Karl Collin will also be back as Shaun Temple and Yasmin Finney will play Rose (not that one).
The late Bernard Cribbins will also be back as Wilfred Mott, who was spotted on set before he died back in July.
Neil Patrick Harris will play the villain of the episode, a character believed to be one of the Doctor’s oldest enemies, the Toymaker.
He was last seen on screen in 1966 but was mentioned season 11, episode eight, Can You Hear Me?.
One actor that is unlikely to return is Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor, as in a recent interview with SFX Magazine he expressed his concern over too many Doctors being crammed into the special.
Peter said: "It’s very hard to imagine how you’d get a decent crack of the whip when there’s 14 of you, you know?
“So, I think I’d rather leave it as is, because I loved my time on Doctor Who and loved doing it.
"I don’t want to be Doctor Who’s assistant. It used to drive me insane on Doctor Who, not being able to talk about anything. It’s like, 'Who cares?!' But then I get into trouble."
For those wondering about Matt Smith’s Doctor, the actor hasn’t been linked to the production, nor has he commented on it.
However, anyone who has filmed scenes for the special will have signed a waiver to not comment on it, just as what Peter was referring to.
Even if Matt isn’t back, expect more cameos and surprises along the way, as the show as six decades of characters and events to pull from.
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