Everything we know about the BBC’s Centenary Doctor Who special

Watch the official trailer for the Thirteenth Doctor’s Final Adventure:  

Over the trailer, we hear the Doctor say: 

“Nothing is forever. No regeneration, no life. Beware of the forces that mass against you, and their Master.” 

We then see some familiar faces to long-time Doctor Who fans, as well as signs of a pretty epic battle involved some favourite Doctor Who villains, including the Daleks, Cybermen, and Sacha Dhawan’s Master. 

In the final scene we see the Thirteenth Doctor showing the classic signs of regeneration, confirming that this is the end of Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor... 

What do we know about the plot?

The title for the Doctor Who centenary special has been confirmed as: The Power of the Doctor. Great title, and a fitting one for when The Doctor demonstrates one of their greatest powers: regeneration. 

It’s been theorised that the episode will complete The Division/Timeless Child storyline that has continued throughout Jodie Whittaker’s time as The Doctor.  

The episode will also be the finale for writer Chris Chibnall, so no wonder he’s chosen to end his time with the show with a bang featuring some of The Doctor’s most iconic enemies, as well as bringing back some beloved companions from past seasons. Chibnall has said on the episode:  

"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!" 

Strevens told Doctor Who Magazine that Whittaker’s farewell episode will be, 

“A massive, feature-length epic – it was huge to shoot – with lots of surprises for all ages […] Jodie gets a really good send-off. I think it will push everybody’s buttons. And the fact the BBC asked us for it to be part of their Centenary celebrations – I think that just underlines the iconic nature of the show.” 

'Iconic' feels like a fitting word considering the iconic adversaries featured in the trailer. With the Master, the Daleks and Cybermen all featuring in the battle, it seems like the Doctor has the odds stacked against them for their regeneration story.  

We also know that not only will the plot be epic, but the whole episode will look epic too. Also speaking to Doctor Who Magazine, digital effects coordinator Emily Lawrence said,  

“I can’t give anything away, but I can tell you that it’s going to be an absolutely spectacular episode with a lot of visual effects.”  

Chibnall summarised the episode by saying: 

"For the BBC’s centenary, we’ll be celebrating the past, present and future of Doctor Who, in a fittingly thrilling, epic and emotional send-off for the Thirteenth Doctor." 

Cast of the Doctor Who centenary special: 

Here’s what we know about the Doctor Who special cast, jam-packed with familiar faces: 

• Naturally, Jodie Whittaker will be returning for the last time as the Thirteenth Doctor for a massive regeneration story fitting to her time on the show 

• Mandip Gill will also be back as Whittaker’s companion, Yasmin Khan 

• John Bishop will return as Dan Lewis 

• Sacha Dhawan as the Master 

• Classic companion Sophie Aldred as Ace 

• Classic companion Janet Fielding as Tegan Jovanka

• Jacob Anderson will make a comeback as Vinder  

• Jemma Redgrave will return as Kate Stewart after last appearing in 2021 

There have also been rumours of other cameos, including Bradley Walsh, but the question on everyone’s minds is will we see our first glimpse of the Fourteenth Doctor at the end of the episode...? 

Is David Tennant coming back to Doctor Who?  

It was announced in May 2022 that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa would be taking on the iconic role of The Doctor, so we initially assumed that Gatwa would make his first appearance when the Thirteenth Doctor regenerates.

HOWEVER, while it’s been confirmed that Gatwa has been cast, the BBC still hasn’t confirmed that Gatwa will play the Fourteenth Doctor specifically or appear in the centenary special...

Previous rumours that David Tennant would be returning have now been confirmed along with the reappearance of Catherine Tate, who played Tennant’s companion of Donna Noble. The duo will be back for Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary, so could there be a twist planned that will see the Thirteenth Doctor regenerate back into their previous body of the Tenth Doctor...? Or is David Tennant’s cameo instead as a time-displaced Doctor, or a Doctor from a parallel universe? 

For now, the BBC has been keeping the details quiet, and Russell T. Davies has been teasing fans for month by not revealing more about Tennant’s storyline. However, since Doctor Who's 60th anniversary episodes will be airing all the way in November 2023 it's a long way off.

So which Doctor do you think we'll see first – Tennant or Gatwa?  

When does the new season of Doctor Who start? 

The special episode is to celebrate 100 years of the BBC, with the broadcaster celebrating this milestone on Tuesday 18th October. It's been confirmed that The Power of the Doctor will air later in the week on Sunday 23rd October on BBC One at 7;30pm, and on BBC iPlayer shortly after. The special episode will also be longer than usual, running from 7:30pm - 9pm for Whittaker's final hurrah. Until then, you can watch the last 13 seasons of Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer.