Thursday, November 23, 2023

Doctor Who - 60th Anniversary Blog And So Much More

Yes, it's November 23rd 2023. Doctor Who has turned 60 and this blog will be a mix of celebrating that as well as spoilers for the anniversary specials and beyond. Buckle up everyone.


The celebration part. 60 years is quite a feat for any show and boy, has it been a tremendous journey. So many Doctors, companions, monsters, spin-off's etc but it's finally here. In two days time we'll be getting the first in a row of specials that brings back David Tennant and Catherine Tate as the 14th Doctor and Donna Noble, courtesy of Russell T. Davies. 


Meanwhile a new image of Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor was released courtesy of Whotopia book that came out today. Speaking of books, a new version of the Rose novelisation was released today with coloured illustrations. 


Keeping with the 60th celebrations, Radio Times went all out this week with a gorgeous series of photos and interviews. These included Russell T. Davies, Waris Hussein (director of An Unearthly Child), David Tennant, Catherine Tate, Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, Carole Ann Ford, Millie Gibson, Bonnie Langford and the legend himself, Tom Baker.


At 89 years of age, the oldest surviving Doctor was decked out in his classic Fourth Doctor look for the anniversary photoshoot. It was a decade ago that he appeared as The Curator in 50th anniversary, The Day Of The Doctor, so to see him pictured as part of the 60th celebrations is another highlight in a month littered with them. Speaking of classic, be sure to watch the colourised 75 minute version of The Daleks tonight on BBC4 from 7.30pm.


Getting back to the anniversary specials, there's some big stuff ahead for viewers. The Star Beast, Wild Blue Yonder and The Giggle might have elements of familiarity but at the same time, expect some changes going ahead. There's rumours of how regeneration might handled in relation to the imminent switch up between David Tennant and Ncuti Gatwa and that's all I'm saying on the matter. That rumour will likely be very much true. Also expect more of Yasmin Finney's Rose Noble beyond these upcoming anniversary specials while Charlie De Melo will also appear in the series.


Throughout the day, keep an eye on the Doctor Who social media pages with various announcements such as podcasts, water shows and clips all revealed. Oh and Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson's debut episode is now titled The Church On Ruby Road while Shirley Ballas and Johannes Radebe will be appearing in the upcoming series. In terms of Christmas 2024, Nicola Coughlan was officially confirmed earlier this month (though her character's name wasn't) while Millie Gibson will also remain for Series 15. 


Also on keeping with how so far ahead of this show has gotten in terms of filming, we have a prominent recurring character for the series after next. Series 15 will introduce Jonah Hauer-King as a love interest for Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday. On top of that, Series 15 could debut from May 2025 according to Russell T. Davies. The episode currently filming is the fourth episode, directed by Peter Hoar. It involves UNIT (who definitely appear to be more prominent in this new era) and alien protestors. To be this far ahead is definitely a feat for the show.

The 60th anniversary specials of Doctor Who will air/stream on BBC1 and Disney+ from November 25th-December 9th with Doctor Who Unleashed on BBC3. The Church On Ruby Road will air on Christmas Day.

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