Jodie Whittaker and David Tennant reunite and look back on the shock Doctor Who Regeneration between the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Doctors seen in the final moments of “The Power of the Doctor.” Whitaker made her Doctor Who Debuting in the final moments of the 2017 seasonal special Twice Upon a Time, she became the first on-screen female incarnation of the Time Lord in the main series. Whittaker would be followed by Tennant, who, despite his previous appearance as the Tenth Doctor, would take on the role of the Fourteenth Doctor during the series’ 60th anniversary celebrations.
As Ncuti Gatwa wrapped up his first season as the Fifteenth Doctor, his two immediate predecessors reunited to look at their shared Doctor Who Story when Whittaker and Tennant made guest appearances on BBC Radio 2 (later reported by Radio Times). Whittaker recalled that the regeneration of the 13th Doctor into the Fourteenth Doctor was a notable highlight of her tenure which had to be kept under tight wraps:
Jodie Whitker: “It was a moment! It was a very well-kept secret.”
Tennant also admitted that he had a recording of the call in which Whittaker was informed that her tenure would be followed by his return to the Time Lord. However, both Whittaker and Tennant agreed that the recording could not be played at the time, as the language Whittaker used would not be suitable for radio.
David Tennant: “I still have a recording of the phone call where I phone Jodie to tell her she’s going to regenerate into me. I can’t play that at this time in the morning!”
Witker: “What the…fill in the blank.”
Like Doctor Who‘s surprise regeneration unfolded
Fans were left guessing for months
For a brief period in 2021 and 2022, it was uncertain who would follow Whittaker once she and showrunner Chris Chibnall departed from Doctor Who After “The Power of the Doctor,” even as Russell T. Davies is confirmed to return to show-running duties for the 60th anniversary celebration and beyond. As such, speculation about who would take on the role would continue in the 11 months between confirmation of Whittaker’s departure and Tennant’s return announcement.
Despite this, even after the return of Tennant and Catherine Tate was announced in May, it was unclear whether Tennant would be reprising his role as the Tenth Doctor. Both he and Gatva are simply referred to as “The Doctor” in their respective casting announcements, with no hints or indications of any numbering. As such, viewers were left waiting until “The Power of the Doctor” aired for answers.
Our thoughts on Doctor Who’s 2022 regeneration
Poor aesthetic decisions have a little hamper the effect of the three
While unprecedented in the modern era where incoming Doctors are confirmed with their own announcement, “The Power of the Doctor’s” surprise regeneration is undoubtedly a success. After a heartwarming final speech by the Thirteenth Doctor looking out over a sunset, viewers are surprised as Tennant’s Fourteenth Doctor emerges from the regeneration process. Much like most fans, the Time Lord himself was confused by the process, ending Whittaker’s run on a cliffhanger that had viewers theorizing for over a year.
Despite this, it is not flawless Doctor Who Plot twist, as while Tennant’s return was explained in a story that tackled the Doctor’s history and role in the universe, it also led to poorly thought-out design choices. While Davies hoped to get ahead of bad-faith tabloid coverage of the trial where Tennant donned Whittaker’s attire by changing his Fourteenth Doctor’s clothes along with his body, many fans felt that the decision contradicted the ideas behind Whittaker’s non-binary costume Plan. However, in terms of the story, Doctor Who2022’s regeneration twist stands out as one of the show’s most memorable moments.
Source: BBC Radio 2 (via Radio Times)