It has been 50 years and 11 Doctors since Doctor Who first aired. The show is planning something very special for the 50th anniversary special. Conventions, special events, and an exciting new episode will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sci-fi drama.
“In its 50th Anniversary year we want to include fans around the World in our Doctor Who celebrations and this partnership with Heathrow is a fantastic way of capturing the attention of people from across the globe,” Amanda Hill, chief brands officer for BBC Worldwide, said in a statement.
Showrunners announced the David Tennant (who played the 10th Doctor) will be present for the 50th anniversary, he will be acting alongside Matt Smith (the 11th Doctor). Fans were distraught when Tennant left the show after season 4, and were ecstatic that he would return. This new somewhat lightened the blow that Matt Smith would not be returning after the 2013 Christmas special. A new Doctor has yet to be announced, though many speculate it is time for female actor to take on the role of the Doctor.
Not much is known regarding the plot of the 50th anniversary episode, fans have high hopes for as many reunions as possible; including the 9th Doctor Christopher Eccleston, who declined the offer to appear in the television special. Other Doctor Who favorites, including John Barrowman (who played Captain Jack Harkness) and Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones) were not approached about being in the special.
“It’s a special episode. I think you could call it movie-length, yeah. I mean, I’m saying that with a slight hint of vagueness because I don’t know the finished running time,” showrunner Steven Moffat said about the episode.
According to Huffington Post, BBC and Heathrow have teamed up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. Passengers at the London airport will have the chance to experience a variety of Doctor Who-themed events including appearances by the Cybermen, TARDIS photo booths, props and memorabilia shows and augmented reality experiences.
“I am delighted that Heathrow has been chosen to host this much loved British iconic series. With visitors from over 180 destinations worldwide, as the UK’s only hub airport, Heathrow offers a fantastic opportunity to bring the ‘Doctor Who’ experience to an international audience this summer,” Susan Goldsmith, operations director at Heathrow Terminal 5, said in a statement.
On July 16, Terminal 5 will feature the London Philharmonic Orchestra performing music from Doctor Who and author Jenny Colgan will be signing Doctor Who books.
The 10th Doctor’s TARDIS is stationed at Heathrow. “We are delighted to announce another extension to Heathrow’s world-beating facilities — all of space and time in a stylish blue box, complete with phone. Heathrow with time travel — nobody need ever be late again,” Moffat said in a statement.
The Doctor Who 50th anniversary special will air on Saturday, November 23 on BBC America.