Jodie Whittaker ’s big Doctor Who finale will see her don a mash-up of the iconic costumes worn by many of her Time Lord predecessors.
And it will also see a comeback for Bradley Walsh as former companion Graham O’Brien, who returns to help her meet up with old friends and battle her oldest foes.
Whittaker’s feature-length swansong as the 13th Doctor is timed to be part of the BBC ’s huge centenary celebrations in October.
Eagle-eyed viewers will be pleased to spot her wearing many items worn in the TARDIS over the past six decades. They include the striped scarf belonging to fourth Doctor Tom Baker from the 70s, the bizarre celery sprig sported by Doctor number five Peter Davison in the early 80s plus the checked trousers favoured by Patrick Troughton as the second Doctor in 1963.
Also on display will be the question mark jumper worn by Sylvester McCoy as the seventh Doctor in the late 80s and tenth Doctor David Tennant’s brown and blue tie from his stint which ended in 2010.
One source said: “Getting Jodie - and some others - to wear some of the best-loved items from the Doctors’ wardrobes over the decades, seems a fitting and perfect way to mark the BBC’s 100 year anniversary.”
In the plot of the BBC1 special Whittaker’s Doctor is joined by Walsh as former companion Graham - last seen two years ago - makes a surprise return and organises a gathering of some old pals.
A host of cameo appearances by those who played former friends and companions are understood to have been recorded in secret - so far, the BBC has revealed that 80s companions Tegan and Ace - played by Janet Fielding and Sophie Aldred - will be among them.
Outgoing showrunner Chris Chibnall said: ”They’ll be helping the Doctor fight on three fronts, against her deadliest enemies: the Master, Daleks and Cybermen, in one huge story.”
As Whittaker prepares to hand over her sonic screwdriver with a regeneration at the end of the 90-minute episode, she can be heard saying in a trailer: ”Beware of the forces that mass against you - and their Master.”
Ncuti Gatwa has been named as the next official Doctor, but - in a twist - Whittaker is expected to regenerate into 10th Doctor Tennant, who returns for the three specials airing next year. Gatwa is not expected to start filming until autumn 2023, for a full series to air the following year.
Executive producer Matt Strevens has told how Whittaker is being given “a really good send off”.
”The final story is a massive, feature-length epic – it was huge to shoot – with lots of surprises for fans of all ages,” he explained to Doctor Who magazine.
“I think it will push everybody’s buttons. And the fact the BBC asked us for it to be part of their Centenary celebrations – I think that just underlines the iconic nature of the show.”
Original reboot producer Russell T Davies has agreed to return ahead of next years episodes, which mark Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary. He is also expected to bring previous composer Murray Gold back to the show.
