Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor release date, cast and news
This is not a drill: Jodie Whittaker’s last appearance airs tonight!
Tonight is the night that time runs out for Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor, who bows out of the sci-fi drama in a feature-length BBC centenary special titled The Power of the Doctor.
Anticipation is high for the grand finale, which is expected to feature another dramatic regeneration scene that sets the stage for the show's next era, led by returning showrunner Russell T Davies and new star Ncuti Gatwa.
However, fans of 13 shouldn't despair as Whittaker told Radio Times Magazine this week that she would love to be asked back to the show in a few years, describing herself as a "little terrier" at Davies' heels.
Likewise, The Master actor Sacha Dhawan told us he'd like to stick around to menace the Fourteenth Doctor as the iconic Who villain, although there's no confirmation he will just yet.
In a full Big RT Interview prior to The Power of the Doctor's premiere, he added that he'll "never, ever forget" his time on the sci-fi drama, while previously he promised an "epic" and "iconic conclusion.
Dhawan himself opens the trailer by declaring: "Hello Doctor, welcome to the end of your existence," before chaos breaks loose, including crumbling buildings, volcanic eruptions and Daleks and Cybermen targeting Earth.
Classic companions Ace (Sophie Aldred) and Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) will also appear in the episode, and recently disclosed how Sylvester McCoy and Peter Davison reacted to their return.
The Power of the Doctor has been penned by Chibnall and directed by Jamie Magnus Stone, with outgoing producer Matt Strevens having teased the episode as a "massive, feature-length epic".
Whittaker, meanwhile, has described her regeneration scene as "simple, epic and beautiful".
So, what else do we know about the last episode? Take a look at our regularly updated news and releases below.
Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor release date
Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor airs tonight, Sunday 23rd October, at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, as part of celebrations following the public broadcaster's centenary (Tuesday 18th October).
The BBC previously announced that it will air at some time in October, sparking much fan speculation.
- Read More: Is it time for Doctor Who to embrace the multiverse?
- Read More: Doctor Who Centenary special will be visual effects “spectacular”, says VFX boss
Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor trailer
Following the release of Legend of the Sea Devils, the BBC unveiled the first trailer for the Centenary special, and it looks like an epic battle is on the cards.
"Beware of the forces that mass against you," the Doctor's warning can be heard, "and their Master."
Take a look for yourself below:
And now, as detailed above, a second trailer has landed, giving us our best look yet at the upcoming special. Watch below:
Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor cast
The following cast members have been confirmed for The Power of the Doctor.
- Jodie Whittaker as The Thirteenth Doctor
- Mandip Gill as Yasmin Khan
- John Bishop as Dan Lewis
- Sacha Dhawan as The Master
- Janet Fielding as Tegan Jovanka
- Sophie Aldred as Ace
- Jacob Anderson as Vinder
- Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart
Of course, Jodie Whittaker will return as the Thirteenth Doctor opposite Mandip Gill as Yasmin Khan. The trailer unveiled after the Easter special also confirmed John Bishop’s Dan Lewis would feature.
Two familiar faces will make a comeback in the special: Vinder (Jacob Anderson) and Kate Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) will return after their last appearance in Doctor Who's last full series in late 2021.
In exciting news, the BBC has also confirmed that classic companions Ace (Sophie Aldred) and Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding) would return for the final special.
"They’ll be helping the Doctor fight on three fronts, against her deadliest enemies: the Master, Daleks and Cybermen, in one huge story," showrunner Chris Chibnall, who is also departing after this episode, said.
Rumour has it Bradley Walsh may make a cameo as Graham O’Brien after he was spotted near the filming of the show in 2021.
Sacha Dhawan will definitely appear as the villain The Master for Jodie Whittaker’s final episode as the main antagonist, as was hinted by the season 13 finale and confirmed in the Centenary special's trailer.
Finally, of course, it is expected that Ncuti Gatwa will appear towards the end of the episode in his first appearance after the Doctor regenerates.
Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor plot
A new synopsis for the special reads: "In this feature-length Special to mark her last adventure, Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor must fight for her very existence, against her deadliest enemies: the Daleks, the Cybermen and her arch-nemesis, the Master.
"Who is attacking a speeding bullet train on the edges of a distant galaxy? Why are seismologists going missing from 21st century Earth? Who is defacing some of history’s most iconic paintings? Why is a Dalek trying to make contact with the Doctor? And just what hold does the mesmeric Rasputin have over Tsar Nicholas in 1916 Russia?
"The Doctor faces multiple threats…and a battle to the death."
Strevens recently shed some more light on Whittaker's farewell episode, promising a "massive, feature-length" regeneration story.
"The final story is a massive, feature-length epic – it was huge to shoot – with lots of surprises for fans of all ages," Strevens told Doctor Who Magazine.
"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."
Speaking about the episode, Jodie Whittaker told Empire Magazine that The Power of the Doctor is "one for the Whovians".
She continued: "It’s a huge treat if you’re a proper fan. It’s got all the iconic things that you associate with Doctor Who. It’s massive."
Who will be the new Doctor in Doctor Who?
Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa has been announced as the next Doctor in Doctor Who.
Speaking of his new role, Ncuti said: “There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling. A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared. This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my upmost to do the same.
"Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true. His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground. The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show."
Meanwhile, returning showrunner Russell T. Davies commented: “The future is here and it’s Ncuti! Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars.
"Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds. It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!”
We cannot wait to see what Ncuti brings to the role!
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Doctor Who returns to BBC One this autumn for its Centenary episode. For more, check out our dedicated Sci-Fi page or our full TV Guide.
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