A classic Doctor Who star reveals how Russell T Davies set up a return for former Doctors in future episodes, and his interest in coming back again. While the cast of Doctor Whohas almost always focused on the main character in any given era, the show is no stranger to reintroducing Doctors from previous parts of the series. This includes those who were around prior to its 2005 revival, such as Sylvester McCoy, who portrayed the Seventh Doctor, returning to his role in the 2022 special, "The Power of the Doctor."
Speaking with The 50% Doctor Who Podcast(via Radio Times), McCoy revealed that Russell T Davies actually set up returns not only for his Seventh Doctor, but other classic leads from Doctor Who's history. The actor revealed the 60th anniversary spinoff show, Tales of the TARDIS, which revealed new adventures from classic Doctors, was meant as a bridge to reintroduce them into the main series. He indicated the door was open not only for his return, but other stars reprising their roles as well. Check out what McCoy had to say below:
But then we did Tales of the TARDIS after that. [showrunner] Russell T Davies wanted to reintroduce to everybody the Doctors, because they may be coming back. So, you know, that's why he did it, in the future he may want to use them. And therefore, we will be recognized as we are now and not as we were then.
What McCoy's Statement Means For Classic Doctors In Future Doctor Who Seasons
The Door Is Open For Plenty Of Reintroductions
Tales of the TARDIS featured many Doctor Who characters from the series' past, including Peter Davidson's Fifth Doctor, Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor, and a multitude of companions from across the show's history. McCoy appeared in episode 6, "The Curse of Fenric," alongside his old companion, Ace (Sophie Aldred). The reprisal of many Doctors and companions not only celebrated the history of their time in seasons past, but, according to the Seventh Doctor actor, actually set the stage for their potential use in future seasons of the main series.
Doctor Who is the longest-running sci-fi show on TV, which has led to some top stars appearing on the show before and after their biggest success'.
With the story of Doctor Who season 15 currently unclear, Davies' anniversary series may have offered hints about what direction the series is going to go. Although there's no confirmation Tales of the TARDIS will definitively connect to the show's next season, McCoy's statement indicates the showrunner's plan was to open the door for its possibility. Even if it's not right away, the potential for more adventures with classic Doctors means the franchise could be further expanding its stories for even more nostalgic trips in the future.
Our Take On Doctor Who's Classic Doctors Possibly Returning
The Fifteenth Doctor Is No Stranger To Old Friends & Enemies
Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor has already faced down some villains across Doctor Who's history, such as The Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris) and Sutekh (Gabriel Woolf). He's also aware of older characters through his work with UNIT, which means there's a path for classic Doctors to come back into the series. While it's unclear what it would mean for their stories if they did come back, it seems Tales of the TARDIS will be the advent by which they would return.
The next episode of
Doctor Who
is the 2024 Christmas special, "Joy to the World."
The latest season of Doctor Who introduces the Fifteenth Doctor, joined by new companion Ruby Sunday. Their first adventure begins with "The Church on Ruby Road," where they face powerful new foes and unravel the mystery surrounding Ruby's origins. The Doctor grapples with the aftermath of a unique regeneration event and battles enemies more formidable than ever before.
Character(s) Commander Millington , Polly , Gordon Lowery , Dervish , Wheeler , Radar Technician , Uncredited , Dr. Grace Holloway , K9 (voice) , Lieutenant Carstairs , Peladon , Chancellor Flavia , Curtis , Mike , Self , Ted Moss , Sarah Jane Smith , Miranda , Mykros , The Master , Arek , Megara Voice , Dodo Chaplet , Peter Warmsly , Jackson
Creator(s) Donald Wilson , Sydney Newman
Producers John Nathan-Turner , Innes Lloyd , Peter Bryant , Philip Hinchcliffe , Verity Lambert , John Wiles
Seasons 2
Writers Russell T. Davies , Dave Gibbons , Kate Herron , Steven Moffat
Streaming Service(s) Apple , Britbox , M , Dis
Directors Douglas Camfield , David Maloney , Christopher Barry , Michael E. Briant , Barry Letts , Michael Ferguson , Richard Martin , Peter Moffatt , Pennant Roberts , Lennie Mayne , Chris Clough , Ron Jones , Paddy Russell , Paul Bernard , Michael Hayes , Timothy Combe , Morris Barry , Gerald Blake , Graeme Harper , Waris Hussein , Rodney Bennett , Mervyn Pinfield , Hugh David , John Gorrie
Custom image by Nick Bythrow
English (US) ·