Look Who's back! (TV Times)

http://cuttingsarchive.org/images/0/09/2023-11-25_TV_Times_p6-7.jpg

Publication: TV Times
Date: 2023-11-25
Author:
Page: 6
Language: English

DAVID TENNANT in returning to the TARDIS to help celebrate 60 years of adventures in space and time

Prepare for sonic epic intergalactic adventures. the screen debut of possibly the world's cutest alien and the TV reunion of the year, as Doctor Who bursts back on to BBC' with a trio of specials to celebrate the sci-fi drama's 6oth anniversary.

Fans were left in shock at the end of feature-length episode The Power of the Doctor in October 2022 when Jodie Whittaker's 13th Time Lord regenerated into David Tennant, who first stepped into the TARDIS in 2005 as the loth incarnation of the character.

NOW, as the action picks up this week in the first new instalment, The Star Beast, David's 14th version of the Doctor heads to London. where he runs into former companion Donna Noble (returning star Catherine Tate, who made her first appearance in the role in 2006).

At the end of their travels in 2008, the Doctor had to wipe Donna's memories of their time together in order to save her life, warning that if she ever remembered him, she would die. So will the reunion spell doom for Donna? And how does a cuddly looking alien named Meep the Beep (voiced by Miriam Margolyes) fit into the tale?

The birthday specials, which also include stories Wild Blue Yonder and The Giggle, will set the scene for the upcoming festive edition. which marks the first adventure for Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor and ex-Coronation Street favourite Millie Gibson as new companion Ruby Sunday.

Here, David*, 52, tells us what tempted him back...

So, how did your return come about, David?

It took me by surprise! During lockdown, there was something called Tweetalongs, organised by Emily Cook at Doctor Who Magazine - it was sort of an online community where people across the world watched an episode at the same time and commented along. I don't tweet, but I got hooked up in a way that I could be part or it with Russell T. Davies [Doctor Who's showrunner from 2005 to 20101 and Catherine.

After that, Russell and Catherine were talking about. Wouldn't it be fun to have one last go?' - and that led to Russell having this idea that perhaps there is a special where the Doctor and Donna are reunited.

Suddenly, I was coming back for three specials, with Russell returning to helm!

What was the reaction like when you were revealed as the 14th Doctor?

We somehow managed to keep it a secret! People knew I was back, but they also knew Ncuti was coming up, so there was a bit of confusion as to who exactly Jodie would regenerate into.

We managed to surprise enough people, and I certainly don't think anybody knew for certain how that episode was going to end. I think it was as surprising to some people as it was to the Doctor!

How have you found returning to the character after your time away?

There was obviously a bit of figuring out what this version of the Doctor was going to be. The Doctor can be anything, and each regeneration is a reset. I could have done a different voice or approached the character in a very different way, but the point of coming back was to sort of revisit something that has gone before. That's the story Russell is telling; the Doctor is returning to an earlier version of themself.

Was it lovely to be reunited in the Whoniverse with Catherine?

Catherine is a deep joy, and has been from the first moment we ever worked together, which was indeed on Doctor Who - although we have done several other things since!

We keep coining back to these characters, whether that's in audiobooks or, now, these special episodes, because it just feels so comfortable and joyous. I was very happy that the Doctor and Donna reunite, and that we have these new stories to tell.

Who else appears in The Star Beast?

We've got Donna's family, who we remember from before. Jacqueline King is back as [Donna's mum] Sylvia; it's like she hasn't aged a single day! She's extraordinary.

Then you've got [Heartstopper star] Yasmin Finney playing Rose, which had people perplexed at first thinking Billie Piper [who played companion Rose Tyler from 2005 to 20101 had been recast, but, of course, it's something much more unexpected. Yasmin's character affects Donna's life, and the Doctor's, in so many brilliant, beautiful and clever ways.

What are your favourite memories of the show as a fan?

My very first memory of Doctor Who is watching Jon Pertwee [who played the Third Doctor' turn into Thin Baker 'the Fourth Time Lord'. I can only have been three, or maybe four - I can't believe I remember it so vividly, but I do, and I have been increasingly entranced by the show ever since!

Doctor Who has been delighting viewers for 60 years. What do you think is the secret of its success?

This show creates moments that stick with you. It's tenacious - we're talking about the 60th anniversary and there are no signs of it slowing down.

Something about the central idea of this show just works. It captures imagination it has certainly done that for me all of my life. I've got many vivid memories, both as a viewer and as somebody involved in making it. I feel so privileged that it's been such a big part of my life.

Caption: Mean and green: The red-eyed, laser-shooting Wrarth Warriors

Caption: Time travel: The 2006 versions of Donna and the Doctor

DOCTOR WHO is previewed on pages 36-37

Perfect timing

Showrunner RUSSELL T. DAVIES gives us his exdusive take on the specials

Describe the new episodes...

The first is a big, glorious, modern-day family adventure with aliens invading Earth. We're trying to give away as little as possible about the second one, but it's serious and scary. The third is absolutely epic - it's a battle for the Doctor's life and for the future...

Guest stars include Call the Midwife's Miriam Margolyes and It's a Sin's Neil Patrick Harris. What can you reveal about their roles?

Neil plays a villain called The Toymaker in episode three, and he delivered the most extraordinary performance. In episode one, Miriam voices alien The Meep, who's pursued by great monsters called the Wrarth Warriors.

Eek! Will the TARDIS be getting a makeover for the specials?

It's the most beautiful TARDIS you've ever seen in your life. We're trying to keep it a secret until transmission, because the moment when they walk into it is really special.

Look Who's back! (TV Times)

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