The much-awaited Doctor Who special broadcast, marking Jodie Whittaker’s final appearance as the Thirteenth Doctor, now has a title – and a release date. The special coincides with the centennial celebrations of the BBC, marking the broadcasting agency’s 100th year of operation.
The title appeared in Doctor Who Magazine 581, in a post with a long headline: “The Title of the Doctor Who BBC Centenary Special is The Power of the Doctor.” It’s an exhaustive 20 page special on Whittaker’s upcoming final episode, which will feature three of the Time Lord’s most formidable foes: the Daleks, the Cybermen and the Master (Sacha Dhawan).
Treasured friends will also return for the Doctor Who special, including Janet Fielding’s Tegan and Sophie Aldred’s Ace, which is due to air on BBC One at some point next month.
Chibnall said of his Who swansong: “Jodie’s final feature-length story contains a plethora of treats and surprises for audiences and fans, not least the return of two of the most beloved companions in the show’s history. “They’ll be helping the Doctor fight on three fronts, against her deadliest enemies: the Master, Daleks and Cybermen, in one huge story!”
Chris Chibnall told Radio Times that the thirteenth Doctor’s story will wrap up “in a really huge, action-y, mad heart-breaking way. There’ll be a lot of laughs and tears in that final episode… expect a celebration of the of [the BBC] within the story. There are some treats – Easter eggs and kisses to the past.”
Chibnall’s plan was to celebrate the past, present and future of Doctor Who, in a fittingly thrilling, epic and emotional send-off for the Thirteenth Doctor.
The episode is expected to end with the Thirteenth Doctor’s regeneration, with Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa making his first appearance in his new role as master of the TARDIS.
Though much attention has been paid to what Russel T. Davies has in store – including a shock reunion for David Tennant and Catherine Tate in next year’s 60th anniversary celebrations – he has repeatedly voiced excitement for Chibnall’s grand finale.
BBC America typically runs a Doctor Who marathon leading up to a Doctor Who special, but according to their schedule, they aren’t doing that this time. We anticipate that the 90 minute spectacular will air later in the week on October 23 to cap off the BBC’s week-long celebration.
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