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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Christian Abbott

Doctor Who special release date: Jodie Whittaker's final outing and who are the bad guys?

Doctor Who's latest episode, Legend of the Sea Devils, aired on Easter Sunday (April 17) and now the trailer for the next special has dropped.

The BBC is teasing the return of two very special characters in the episode, a pair who have not been seen in the series for years.

Once again, it will be a feature-length adventure for fans for sink their teeth into as Jodie Whittaker wraps up her tenure as the time-travelling alien with two hearts and countless regenerating bodies.

The teaser gave fans plenty to be excited for, but there is more on the horizon for Whittaker's Time Lord before she leaves the Tardis for the last time.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the special's premiere.

What is the release date of the Doctor Who special?

The Master, the Daleks and the Cybermen all make a return in Doctor Who's centenary special (PA)

The BBC has not confirmed a release date for the upcoming centenary special, which marks 100 years of broadcasting.

However, it is known that the episode will air in 2022 and as the teaser was just shown, there is plenty of reason to expect it sooner rather than later.

It is likely it will air in the autumn, meaning it could just be a few months' wait before the Doctor gets 'timey-wimey' again.

Who is returning for the Doctor Who special?

Ace (played by Sophie Aldred) and Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) will return in the special episode (PA)

Ace (played by Sophie Aldred) and Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) are both back in the new episode.

As former companions to the Doctor, they will be more than ready for the Time Lord's typical hijinks along the way.

Speaking to the BBC, Janet said: "It’s been quite a challenge to have such a big secret to keep, even from my family, and I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to have been asked back.

"I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I adored being part of the Tardis team again.”

Sophie added: "In some ways it was a very different experience to what it was like when I finished recording in 1983, but in many ways it was very similar.

"It was so lovely to be a working member of the Doctor Who family again."

Which villains will be making an appearance in the Doctor Who special?

The Daleks are making a comeback (PA)

Doctor Who has some of the most iconic villains in TV history, and all the heavy hitters are back for the new special.

Both the Cybermen and the Daleks will be facing off against the Time Lord, easily two of the most beloved, and feared, villainous groups in the show's canon.

It doesn't just stop with them, as The Master is also back.

The Doctor's arch-nemesis, he's another Time Lord who just keeps trying to foil the sonic-screwdriver-wielding hero's plans.

Is the Doctor Who special Jodie Whittaker's final outing?

Jodie Whittaker is leaving Doctor Who after four years of playing the title role (BBC Studios/James Pardon/Matt Burlem)

Yes, Jodie Whittaker was confirmed to be leaving the role of Doctor Who last year.

After wrapping her final full season in 2021, 2022 is a year full of specials for the first female Doctor.

It is similar to when David Tennent was confirmed to be leaving the show, as his final year comprised four feature-length specials.

In a statement to the BBC, showrunner and writer Chris Chibnall said: "Jodie’s final feature-length story contains a plethora of treats and surprises for audiences and fans, not least the return of two of the most beloved companions in the show’s history.

Showrunner Chris Chibnall will depart with Jodie Whittaker (BBC)

"They’ll be helping the Doctor fight on three fronts, against her deadliest enemies: the Master, Daleks and Cybermen, in one huge story!

"For the BBC’s Centenary, we’ll be celebrating the past, present and future of Doctor Who, in a fittingly thrilling, epic and emotional send-off for the Thirteenth Doctor."

The episode also marks the final time Chibnall will be serving as showrunner and lead writer.

Russell T Davies is returning to oversee the series, the writer who helped bring Doctor Who back again in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston's run.

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