There have been explosive scenes as filming for next year's 60th anniversary Doctor Who special takes place in Bristol. Returning star David Tennant has been seen in costume as filming on the Russell T Davies-penned episode continued on Wednesday (June 15).
Tennant, who starred as the tenth doctor from 2005 to 2010 in the BBC time travelling hit, is back alongside Catherine Tate who played companion Donna. How I Met Your Mother actor Neil Patrick Harris will also be in the episode, due to air in 2023.
BristolLive reports that streets have been blocked off and shopfronts changed. Filming appears to be in the area of the Old City that includes Broad Street, Corn Street, Clare Street and around St Stephen's Church.
Scottish actor Tennant, 51, first stepped into the Tardis in 2005 to play the 10th Time Lord with his final episode airing on New Year’s Day in 2010, with comedic actress Tate, 52, starring as companion Donna Noble. The duo have reunited to film scenes that are due to air next year to coincide with the 60th anniversary celebrations of the popular TV series.
Doctor Who’s returning showrunner Russell T Davies said of the pair's return: “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.”
Tennant 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 Tate 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.
Tennant was also seen in the 50th anniversary special, The Day Of The Doctor, in 2013.
It was recently announced that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will be taking over from Jodie Whittaker to become the show’s 14th Doctor. The 29-year-old becomes the fourth Scot to take up the post, following on from Sylvester McCoy, fellow Royal Conservatoire graduate Tennant and Peter Capaldi.
Heartstopper actress Yasmin Finney has been announced as the latest cast member to join Doctor Who. She will make her debut in scenes that are due to air in 2023 to coincide with the show’s 60th anniversary.
The BBC said Finney will play a character called Rose but did not confirm whether she will debut as a new version of Billie Piper’s fan favourite Rose Tyler.
American actor Neil Patrick Harris has also joined the cast of Doctor Who to play the “greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced” and is filming scenes set to air next year. Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has confirmed Patrick Harris will be joining the cast as a villain.
Following the BBC’s announcement, Davies wrote on Instagram: “Neil Patrick Harris, welcome to Cardiff! Playing the greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced. Such a great actor, such a great man, it’s an honour and a hoot. Have fun! @nph @bbcdoctorwho Ha!”
BristolLive has live coverage of filming here.
