Fans of cult show furious with BBC
DR WHO'S 25th anniversary celebrations were ... when it was revealed yesterday that more than 100 of the TV classics have been lost.
The BBC says nearly all the early episodes featuring William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton have done a vanishing act worthy of the space Doctor's famous Tardis.
Episodes starring Jon Pertwee, who took over the role in 1970,. have also disappeared.
The news has angered fans of the science-fiction series, which has turned into a world-wide cult since the show began in 1963.
Many had hoped to buy videos of the vintage episodes.
The BBC has admitted that many of the films have been exterminated over the years or the tapes wiped clean because no one realised their value.
But bosses fear some have been stolen and could end up with a high price tag on the black market.
It is the second time in weeks that the bumbling BBC has admitted scrapping valuable classics.
Vintage shows of the comedy Steptoe And Son have also been thrown on the dustheap and it is believed a vital batch of Till Death Us Do Part is missing too.
But at least Dr Who fans can look forward to a date with their favourite Time Traveller In the autumn when the Beeb is planning to screen a special show in honour of the doctor's 25th birthday.
WHO'S WHO: Doctors Troughton, Pertwee and Hartnell
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