Doctor Who – why does the Fourteenth Doctor look like the Tenth Doctor?

Speaking at the launch of The Star Beast, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies explained that the Fourteenth Doctor might look and sound like his predecessor, but he's subtly different and "slightly more human" in his behaviour.

"He says he loves Donna, which he never said in the old days," Davies pointed out.

Though this is the first time that Doctor Who has depicted this twist on regeneration on-screen, the idea of the Doctor assuming a face he's worn before is not unprecedented – fans will remember that the enigmatic Curator (Tom Baker), who appeared in the show's 50th anniversary special The Day of the Doctor, was heavily implied to be a future Doctor who had taken on a form similar to that of his previous Fourth incarnation.

"In years to come you might find yourself revisiting a few [faces]," the Curator told the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith). "But just the old favourites, eh?"

So is it as simple as the Doctor opting – either consciously or unconsciously – to revert to a previous physical form?

The Star Beast saw the Doctor ponder why he resembled "the one in the skinny suit" again, speculating that returning companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) might somehow be involved.

"I get this face back and the TARDIS lands right next to her," the Doctor told UNIT's scientific advisor Shirley Ann Bingham (Ruth Madeley). "The universe is turning around her again. I don't believe in destiny but if destiny exists, it is heading for Donna Noble, right now."

Was fate somehow conspiring to bring Donna and a Doctor she recognised back together, so they could save Earth from Beep the Meep? Is that our answer?

It appears not, with Russell T Davies hinting that there is something bigger at play.

"The mystery of his face does continue over the next two specials," he teased. "It's not a huge plot, but it has a nice payoff actually. So keep tuned in!"

Could this unusual turn of events be part of the machinations of the returning Toymaker (played by Neil Patrick Harris)?

Two weeks to wait until we know for sure, when The Giggle is broadcast on BBC One...

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