How are these for words you never thought you would read: David Tennant is back as The Doctor! That is right, after twelve years away, David Tennant has returned as the Fourteenth Doctor. At the conclusion of “The Power of the Doctor”, Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor was expected to regenerate into Ncuti Gatwa. But that didn’t happen. And now fans are asking “How long is David Tennant the Doctor?”
Before we get into that, let’s recap exactly how we got here.
The Power of the Doctor
The most recent episode was the final outing for the Thirteenth Doctor and her companions Yaz and Dan. It was also the last episode helmed by show-runner Chris Chibnall.
The episode started with a space train under attack by Cyber-Masters. If you forgot, they are the Time Lord/Cybermen hybrids that The Master created in his last appearance.
The Cyber-Masters were after a living energy source that was being transported on the train. As the Doctor and co. arrived to save the day, Dan took a laser to his helmet. Ultimately, the Cyber-Masters succeeded in getting away with the energy source.
Back on Earth, Dan decided to call it a day and left the Tardis for good. Yaz stuck around, and the remaining twosome took off to investigate what was going on.
In the end, it emerged all of this was part of a convoluted plan by the Master to force the Doctor to regenerate into him. From here, he intended to destroy planets and civilisations as the Doctor to wipe her good reputation from existence.
While the Master’s plan did not succeed, he did get a small piece of revenge on the Doctor. Just before he succumbed to his injuries, the Master directed an energy beam at the Doctor which mortally wounded her.
At the episode’s climax, Jodie Whitaker’s Thirteenth Doctor surprisingly regenerated into David Tennant.
As a stand-alone episode, “The Power of the Doctor” was symptomatic of the whole Chibnall era. Good ideas bogged down by overly complicated and rushed writing.
However, it did give us some great cameos of former Doctors and, of course, David Tennant’s tremendous re-debut at the end!
Why Is David Tennant Coming Back To Doctor Who?
David Tennant is back to play the Fourteenth Doctor (an identical incarnation to the Tenth Doctor) for next year’s 60th anniversary.
This momentous occasion warranted a special celebration – and there is nothing better than the return of the best Doctor of them all.
Aside from the 60th celebration, David Tennant’s return as the Doctor is undoubtedly linked to the series’ declining ratings.
After several years of sub-par writing, many fans have simply tuned out. Jodie Whittaker was OK as the Doctor, but we never got to see her show any real range as the titular Time Lord.
Bringing David Tennant back is sure to spark interest among lapsed fans. And couple him with Catherine Tate back as Donna Noble, and you are on to a ratings winner.
Ultimately, David Tennant is back as the Doctor to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary and to revitalise the series.
How Long Is David Tennant The Doctor?
David Tennant has returned as the Doctor before – but only for one episode. He appeared alongside Matt Smith and John Hurt in the show’s 50th anniversary special ten years ago.
However, unlike the 50th, Tennant’s appearance for the 60th anniversary won’t be limited to one episode. And he won’t be playing second fiddle to another Doctor, either.
So, how long is David Tennant the Doctor? David Tennant is back as the Doctor for three special episodes that will air in November 2023.
That’s right – David Tennant is back for his own mini-series (of sorts) as the Fourteenth Doctor.
Returning show-runner Russel T. Davies said that “the path to Ncuti’s Fifteenth Doctor is laden with mystery, horror, robots, puppets, danger and fun!”
Ncuti Gatwa will debut as the Fifteenth Doctor “over the festive period in 2023”, the BBC has confirmed.
Are you happy about David Tennant’s return to Doctor Who? Do you wish he was staying longer? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
Linda
24 October 2022 16:55 BSTIt’s brilliant that David’s back but he of course should get three series rather than three episodes that should be enough to save the show and then hand over to Ncuti.
Brenda Gaffney
24 October 2022 16:55 BSTWas really sad when David Tennant left as Dr who. Always said it would be great if he dame back as Dr with Donna. Best pairing ever. Wish it was for much longer though.
Brenda
Edward
24 October 2022 16:55 BSTWould have been more of a surprise if it hadn’t been already so thoroughly spoilered by the press….
Art
24 October 2022 16:55 BSTGranted, he was one of the better Doctors, but he’s already had his run, and to bring him back just because BBC is that desperate to get the ratings back up because they waited too long to eliminate the bad writers… it’s probably going to kill Interest in him, honestly. I’m not excited about it. The show needs to go into hiatus again for a while, like it did in ‘89.
Miriam
24 October 2022 16:55 BSTDavid is the only real Doctor in my book, I stopped watching after he left. Will watch next year since David will be back.
They should keep him longer.
Louise
24 October 2022 16:55 BSTI hope that they decide to keep david for longer than 3 episodes Matt smith was my favourite but david was a very close second and I was sad when he was over and got very excited when he returned in a later episode.
plague
24 October 2022 16:55 BSTI’m sad its only for three episodes, im also annoyed at the 15th doctor not being Idris Elba, He’d be such a good doctor imo, though he’s probably too big for the role now
J burgess
24 October 2022 16:55 BSTSo excited that David is returning. The writers have been trying to hard to go deep into childrens thoughts. Lets go back to good old fashioned jump behind the sofa. Hide behind a cushion story. Wish he was doing a whole season
Mike f
24 October 2022 16:55 BSTBeen a life long doctor who fan (since the beginning of the remakes). Tennant, in my opinion, was(is) the best doctor. Not to discount the others, loved them all, but Tennant just feels like the embodiment of the doctor. I would love for him to remain as long as he’s willing to play the role. keep switching up the side kicks, not the doctors, lol
Mindy
24 October 2022 16:55 BSTDavid Tennant was born to play the doctor. Russell Davies was born to write this sci – fi masterpiece. Without them the series falls apart.