Doctor Who BBC centenary special: the Master and more returning characters

A first look at the Doctor Who BBC centenary special in which Jodie Whittaker’s thirteenth Doctor will regenerate has revealed the return of the Doctor’s biggest adversary – The Master (Sacha Dhawan).

The Master, the Daleks and the Cybermen, including Lone Cyberman Ashad, will all feature in one single story for the first time since the show returned to BBC One in 2005.

The trailer for the centenary special revealed the surprise return of two of the Doctor’s companions from earlier eras of the show. Sophie Aldred as Ace companion to the seventh Doctor and Janet Fielding as Tegan Jovanka, companion to both the fourth and fifth Doctors will reprise their roles on screen for the first time since leaving the show.

Janet Fielding says:“In some ways it was a very different experience to what it was like when I finished recording in 1983, but in many ways it was very similar. It was so lovely to be a working member of the Doctor Who family again.”

Sophie Aldred says:“It’s been quite a challenge to have such a big secret to keep, even from my family, and I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to have been asked back. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I adored being part of the TARDIS team again.”

Also confirmed to be taking to the screen for the Doctor’s epic battle for survival are Vinder (Jacob Anderson) and Kate Stewart (Jemma Redgrave).

Showrunner Chris Chibnall says:“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!”

The special will celebrate the past, present and future of Doctor Who, in a fittingly thrilling, epic and emotional send-off for the thirteenth Doctor. It is said to be a visual effects spectacular and a massive, feature-length epic.

Written by Chris Chibnall and directed by Jamie Magnus Stone, The Doctor Who BBC Centenary Special will air in autumn of 2022.