Not only does David Tennant bow out of Doctor Who on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but you’ll also have a couple of other opportunities to see him on TV during the week between. Not yet scheduled or mentioned are the expected Doctor Who Confidential episodes to air after “The End of Time, Part One” and “Part Two”, so more TV Tennant to be announced. For now, here’s the listings we have along with the programme descriptions.
December 25th, 6:00PM-7:00PM GMT
Doctor Who – “The End Of Time, Part One”
BBC ONE
The Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) embarks on his final journey
It’s the Tenth Doctor’s final journey – but his psychotic nemesis the Master has been reborn, on Christmas Eve. With both determined to cheat death, the battle ranges from the wastelands of London to the mysterious Immortality Gate, while the alien Ood warn of an even greater danger approaching, as a terrible shadow falls across the entire Universe.
David Tennant stars as the Tenth Doctor and guest stars include John Simm, Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate, Timothy Dalton, David Harewood and June Whitfield.
“The End Of Time, Part One” is written by Russell T Davies and directed by Euros Lyn. The producer is Tracie Simpson.
Doctor Who – “The End Of Time, Part One” is simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC’s High Definition channel, available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media.
December 26th, 5:05PM-8:10PM GMT
Hamlet
BBC TWO
David Tennant takes the lead role in Shakespeare’s great tragedy
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s award-winning production of Hamlet, directed by RSC Chief Associate Director Gregory Doran, stars David Tennant in the title role.
Made by Illuminations, this screen version of Shakespeare’s great tragedy retains the quality and tone of the critically acclaimed stage production and was filmed on location. All key original members of the cast, including Patrick Stewart as Claudius, star in this special 180-minute production, which also has the same creative team. The film is directed by Gregory Doran and designed by Robert Jones, who also designed the stage production.
To support this new film of Hamlet, a rich online BBC website is being created in collaboration with the RSC, featuring behind-the-scenes stills and footage; specially shot interviews with the actors talking about their characters and their approach to the play; interviews with the director and other key backstage personnel; and a comprehensive range of links through to the full depth of BBC Learning’s content on Shakespeare and RSC Education’s content on Shakespeare in performance.
Hamlet is simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC’s High Definition channel, available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media.
December 21-24, 27-31 6.50PM-7.00PM GMT
Bedtime Stories
CBEEBIES
There’s a Christmas Eve treat for young story-lovers when Doctor Who star David Tennant swaps the TARDIS for the Bedtime Story chair and breathes life into the enchanting seasonal tale of The Christmas Bear by Henrietta and Paul Stickland.
It’s Christmas Eve and Bear Cub leaves his parents in their den to go out exploring. Falling into a big, bright hole in the snow, Cub finds himself in Santa’s workshop and at the start of a wonderful Christmas adventure. From the post room to the wrapping room, Cub is given a whistle-stop tour of the Christmas present process – with a tantalising glimpse of the toy-testing room. But Cub is disappointed when it’s time to leave – until Santa gives him the best present of all…
David Tennant reads four more stories during the festive season: How High Is The Sky by Anna Milbourne, illustrated by Serena Riglietti; Small Mouse, Big City by Simon Prescott; Emily Brown And The Elephant Emergency by Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton; and Miki by Stephen Mackey.
January 1st, 6:40PM-7:55PM GMT
Doctor Who – “The End Of Time, Part Two”
BBC ONE
The Doctor faces the end of his life as the Master’s plans hurtle out of control. With the sound of drums growing louder, and an ancient trap closing around the Earth, the Doctor and Wilf must fight alone. But sacrifices must be made, and the deadly prophecy warns: “He will knock four times.”
David Tennant stars as the Tenth Doctor and guest stars include John Simm, Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate, Timothy Dalton, David Harewood and June Whitfield.
“The End Of Time, Part Two” is written by Russell T Davies and directed by Euros Lyn. The producer is Tracie Simpson.
Doctor Who – “The End Of Time, Part Two” is simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC’s High Definition channel, available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media.
