A classicDoctor Whostar reveals how Russell T Davies set up a return for former Doctors in future episodes, and his interest in coming back again. While thecast ofDoctor Whohas almost always focused on the main character in any given era, the show is no stranger to reintroducing Doctors from previous parts of the series. This includes those who were around prior to its 2005 revival, such as Sylvester McCoy, who portrayed the Seventh Doctor, returning to his role in the 2022 special, “The Power of the Doctor.”
Speaking withThe 50% Doctor Who Podcast(viaRadio Times), McCoy revealed that Russell T Davies actually set up returns not only for his Seventh Doctor, but other classic leads fromDoctor Who’s history. The actor revealed the 60th anniversary spinoff show,Tales of the TARDIS, which revealed new adventures from classic Doctors, was meant as a bridgeto reintroduce them into the main series. He indicated the door was open not only for his return, but other stars reprising their roles as well. 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 to everybody the Doctors, because they may be coming back. So, you know, that’s why he did it, in the future he may 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 Classic Doctors In Future Doctor Who Seasons
The Door Is Open For Plenty Of Reintroductions
Tales of the TARDISfeatured manyDoctor Whocharactersfrom the series' past, including Peter Davidson’s Fifth Doctor, Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor, and a multitude of companions from across the show’s history.McCoy appeared in episode 6, “The Curse of Fenric,“alongside his old companion, Ace (Sophie Aldred). The reprisal of many Doctors and companions not only celebrated the history of their time in seasons past, but, according to the Seventh Doctor actor, actually set the stage for their potential use in future seasons of the main series.
10 A-List Actors Who Appeared In Doctor Who
Doctor Who is the longest-running sci-fi show on TV, which has led to some top stars appearing on the show before and after their biggest success'.
With the story ofDoctor Whoseason 15currently unclear, Davies' anniversary series may have offered hints about what direction the series is going to go. Although there’s no confirmationTales of the TARDISwill definitively connect to the show’s next season,McCoy’s statement indicates the showrunner’s plan was to open the door for its possibility. Even if it’s not right away, the potential for more adventures with classic Doctors means the franchise could be further expanding its stories for even more nostalgic trips in the future.
Our Take On Doctor Who’s Classic Doctors Possibly Returning
The Fifteenth Doctor Is No Stranger To Old Friends & Enemies
Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor has already faced down some villains acrossDoctor Who’s history, such as The Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris) and Sutekh (Gabriel Woolf). He’s also aware of older characters through his work with UNIT, which means there’s a path for classic Doctors to come back into the series. While it’s unclear what it would mean for their stories if they did come back, it seemsTales of the TARDISwill be the advent by which they would return.
The next episode ofDoctor Whois the 2024 Christmas special, “Joy to the World.”
Doctor Who
Cast
Doctor Who: Released on Jun 18, 2025, this series follows the Doctor and their companion as they journey across time and space, encountering a range of extraordinary friends and adversaries, expanding the universe of the long-running British science fiction series.
