According to a flurry of reports flying around England in the last few days (we saw it first at Teletext Entertainment) it appears that not only is David Tennant about to sign on for the fifth series of “Doctor Who” airing in 2010, but Catherine Tate may be appearing in at least one of the 2009 “Who” specials. When last we left Donna, her memory had been wiped with a dire warning from the Doctor that if she were to remember her travels with him it would mean her death. At the time it was just another tragic parting between the Doctor and one of his companions, but, in retrospect, it could be the start of a great plot for one of the four specials next year. What if the danger was not just to Donna, but to all of reality? Doctor to the rescue, methinks, and also a chance for a little happier ending to Donna’s story. Rose got a chance for an upgraded exit, why not Donna? And could this mean she might return in further episodes, maybe even as a full time companion?
As to the other bit of news, it makes sense for incumbent showrunner Steven Moffat and the BBC to want to keep Tennant around for at least part of the fifth series and it sounds like he enjoys playing the character, so it really isn’t a great surprise. My hope is that they lock him for at least half the series. If there is to be a new Doctor after series five, I’d rather the character regenerate part way through the series so we get a chance to get to know the new incarnation without a nearly twelve month wait.
[UPDATE 9/9] Add John Simm as the Master to the list of rumored returns for one of the specials next year. Simm is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors and his portrayal of the Master was brilliant, so I’m all for this. If Anthony Ainley could return as the Master time after multiple certain deaths back in the ’80s, then there is no reason why Simm can’t do the same.
[UPDATE 11/14] Should have added this a while back, but this is all obviously unfounded at this point in light of Tennant being done at the end of 2009.
One more update, apparently Russell T. Davies wants Catherin Zeta Jones…for the role of the Doctor’s companion in a theatrical “Doctor Who” film. I think a film version is only a passing thought at this time and I see no reason why Davies would be involved in any major way, so I’d chalk this one up to wishful thinking overblown by the tabloids. Still, I’d be keen for Zeta Jones to appear on the show proper, much like Kylie Minogue’s appearance in last year’s Christmas Special. I’m still hoping for Patrick Stewart to appear in series five as well, so here’s hoping.
Tell us what you think and keep checking back as we get further details.