“They Might Be Coming Back”

A classic Doctor Who star reveals how Russell T Davies prepared for former doctors to return in future episodes and his interest in returning. While the cast of Doctor Who Almost always focused on the main character in any given era, the series is no stranger to reintroducing Doctors from previous installments of the series. This includes those who existed before his 2005 revival, such as Sylvester McCoy, who played the Seventh Doctor, returning to his role in the 2022 special, “The Power of the Doctor.”

Talking to 50% Doctor Who Podcast (through Radio times), McCoy revealed that Russell T Davies actually set up returns not only for his Seventh Doctor, but also other classics from Doctor Whohistory. The actor revealed the 60th anniversary spinoff show, Tales from the TARDISwhich revealed new adventures of the classic Doctors, was conceived as a bridge to reintroduce them into the main series. He indicated that the door was open not only for his return, but also for other stars reprising their roles. Check out what McCoy had to say below:

But then we did Tales of the TARDIS after that. [showrunner] Russell T Davies wanted to reintroduce the Doctors to everyone because they might come back. So, you know, that's why he did it, in the future he might want to use them. And therefore we will be recognized as we are now and not as we were then.

What McCoy's statement means for the classic Doctors in future seasons of Doctor Who

The door is open for many reintroductions

Tales from the TARDIS presented many Doctor Who characters from the series' past, including Peter Davidson's Fifth Doctor, Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor and a multitude of companions from throughout the series' history. McCoy appeared in episode 6, “The Curse of Fenric”, alongside his former companion, Ace (Sophie Aldred). The reprisal of many Doctors and companions not only celebrated the history of their time in past seasons, but, according to the Seventh Doctor actor, actually set the stage for their potential use in future seasons of the main series.

With the story of Doctor Who While Season 15 is still unclear, Davies' anniversary series may have offered hints about the direction the series will take. Although there is no confirmation Tales from the TARDIS will definitely connect to the show's next season, McCoy's statement indicates that the showrunner's plan was to open the door to its possibility. Even if not right away, the potential for more adventures with the classic Doctors means the franchise can further expand its stories for even more nostalgic trips in the future.

Our Take on Doctor Who's Classic Doctors Possibly Returning

The Fifteenth Doctor meets old friends and enemies

Ncuti Gatwa's fifteenth doctor has already faced some villains Doctor Whoof history, such as The Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris) and Sutekh (Gabriel Woolf). He also meets older characters through his work with UNIT, meaning there's a way for classic Doctors to return to the series. While it's unclear what it would mean for their stories if they returned, it seems Tales from the TARDIS it will be the advent by which they would return.

Source: 50% Doctor Who Podcast (via Radio Times)