DOCTOR WHO ANNOUNCES FOUR NEW CAST MEMBERS FOR 60th ANNIVERSARY
David Tennant and Catherine Tate - the TARDIS team of 2008 - have reunited for three special episodes of Doctor Who to mark the show's 60th anniversary this November. They are; The Star Best, Wild Blue Yonder and The Giggle.
The latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine - out tomorrow, 9th November - has revealed four new cast members for the 60th anniversary specials. Dara Lall will play Fudge in The Star Beast, a character which appeared in the original comic strip.
John MacKay will play John Logie Baird, the television pioneer. Showrunner Russell T. Davies commented: "John MacKay is the most perfect choice to play John Logie Bird - so perfect, I've done it twice! John first took on this role in my ITV production of Nolly... John is a wonderful actor, a perfect piece of casting by Andy Pryor and his team."
Charlie De Melo will play Charles Banerjee. Executive Producer Phil Collinson said: "You might have already glimpsed him in the trailer, and I can certainly say that Charles Banerjee is heading towards terrors we've never seen on screen before."
Finally, Alexander Dervrient plays Colonel Ibrahim, part of the UNIT team and will also appear in the Season One next year. Phil Collinson said: "Ibrahim is a UNIT stalwart, serving loyally alongside Kate Lethbridge-Stewart. But even he's barely prepared for the dangers to come..."
Russell T. Davies and Phil Collinson were speaking exclusively to Doctor Who Magazine issue 597, available in-store and online from Thursday 9th November.
The Doctor and Donna parted ways when the Doctor had to wipe Donna's memory, making her forget him, in order to save her life. He left her family with a warning: if ever she remembers, she will die. But with the two coming face to face once more, the big question is, just what brings the Doctor and Donna back together?
Showrunner Russell T. Davies said at the time of announcement: “They're back! 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.”
Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney joined the cast last year in the role of Rose Noble, the daughter of Donna Noble.
Finney commented: "[Doctor Who] has a place in so many people’s hearts, so to be seen as a trans actress by the legend himself Russell, has not only made my year, it’s made my life. I cannot wait to begin this journey and for you all to see how Rose blossoms. Get Ready."
Jacqueline King will be reprising her role as Donna’s mother Sylvia, and Karl Collins as Donna’s long suffering husband, Shaun. We also know that Bernard Cribbins reprised his role of Wilf before his death last Summer.
The show also welcomes Ruth Madeley who will be appearing as Shirley Anne Bingham. American star of stage and screen, Neil Patrick Harris, also joined the cast as an unknown villain.
Russell T. Davies commented: "It’s my huge honour to open our studio doors for the mighty Neil Patrick Harris… but who, why, what is he playing? You’ll just have to wait. But I promise you, the stuff we’re shooting now is off the scale. Doctor beware!"
Ncuti Gatwa's first official Doctor Who episode is due to air over the festive period, however we know from the trailer that Gatwa will appear in the specials in some capacity. Showrunner Russell T Davies has promised that "the path to Ncuti’s Fifteenth Doctor is laden with mystery, horror, robots, puppets, danger and fun!".
Special One, The Star Beast will broadcast on Saturday 25th November on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK. The specials will broadcast weekly over three consecutive weeks.