David Tennant and Catherine Tate appear in surprise Doctor Who trailer alongside a star studded cast | Ents & Arts News

Doctor Who fans were given a surprise on Saturday – with a new trailer showing the return of two beloved characters.

Just as viewers were about to be transported in the ballroom for the first Strictly Come Dancing live show of 2023, they took a quick detour via the TARDIS.

Tennant was one of the most popular Doctors after the show was revived, with his exit – alongside companion Catherine Tate – leaving many fans heartbroken.

But in a surprise twist at the end of the last series, Jodie Whittaker’s character regenerated into David Tennant’s iteration of the Doctor – who played the iconic Time Lord between 2005 and 2010.

Fans had been expecting to see Ncuti Gatwa, who was announced as the new Doctor earlier this year.

Both Tennant and Tate are returning this November for three episodes as part of a 60th anniversary special of the show.

Sex Education star Gatwa will then take over the role, with his first appearance as the 15th Doctor Who set to take place over the festive season. Gatwa is seen at the end of trailer, smiling and opening his eyes.

The new trailer saw Tennant and Tate reunited, with the latter regaining her memory and the pair fighting against a host of new villains.

At one point, Tennant says: “I don’t believe in destiny but if destiny exists then it is heading for Donna Noble. If she ever remembers she will die.”

The brand new trailer features Neil Patrick-Harris – he will play the Toymaker, an all-powerful enemy last seen in 1966.

Elsewhere, Jemma Redgrave reprises her iconic role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart.

Show runner Russell T Davies said: “This is just the start, as the fever starts to burn. We’re heading for a November full of Doctor Who surprises, for fans and new viewers alike. Stay alert!”

The show will premiere exclusively on the BBC for the UK and Ireland. Disney+ will be the exclusive home for new seasons of Doctor Who outside of the UK and Ireland.