Everything We Know About Doctor Who’s 60th Anniversary Specials, 2023 Holiday Special, and Series 14 (So Far)

This post contains spoilers. Read at your own risk.

If you’re a Whovian in 2023, you’re probably excited for the fantastic anniversary and holiday celebrations to come this year. But if you’re a Whovian in 2023 who follows spoilers like DWSR, you’re probably thinking “what the hell is going on?!” Fear not, because I am here to explain every detail of the upcoming 60th Anniversary Specials, Holiday Special, and Series 14 to you.

Everything We Know The 60th Anniversary Specials

So after the mind-boggling ending of The Power of the Doctor, we know that David Tennant has returned to play the Doctor once more. However, he will not be playing the Tenth Doctor, he will be portraying an entirely new incarnation of the Doctor. Series 4 companion Donna Noble, portrayed by Catherine Tate, has also returned to the Whoniverse. Along with Tate, Jacqueline King, Karl Collins, and the late Bernard Cribbins have also returned to their roles as Sylvia Noble, Shaun Temple, and Wilfred Mott, respectively. Ncuti Gatwa will also be appearing as the Fifteenth Doctor prior to the Fourteenth Doctor’s regeneration.

We also have new cast members joining for the specials as well. American actor Neil Patrick Harris will be portraying one of the main villains of the specials. His role has not been revealed yet, though he is heavily rumored to be playing First Doctor villain, The Celestial Toymaker. Comedian Miriam Margoyles is voicing Doctor Who comics villain Beep the Meep, as revealed in the trailer. The Wrath Warriors will also appear, however we do not know who is portraying or voicing them (though it will more than likely be Nicholas Briggs). Yasmin Finney will be playing a character called Rose (not to be confused with Rose Tyler), and her character is heavily rumored to be Donna and Shaun’s daughter. Finally, we have Ruth Madely portraying Shirley Anne Bingham, a U.N.I.T. scientist.

Knowing Russell, there will likely be plenty of cameos, particularly in the second special. RTD1-era companions Rose Tyler or Martha Jones (portrayed by Billie Piper and Freema Agyeman, respectively) have been rumored to be returning. Moffat-era companions Amy Pond and Rory Williams (portrayed by Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, respectively) have also been rumored to return. With how little we know about these specials, anyone could show up. It's all a matter of waiting to see...

Speaking of rumored cast, there is only one with any credibility- Bonnie Langford as Mel Bush. In a leaked set recording, The Doctor and Donna were heard having a conversation about a woman named Mel who works with U.N.I.T.. While this could be a completely different Mel, it seems possible that Langford could return as she was seen in The Power of the Doctor. This theory seems more plausible as it was revealed that Langford will be joining the show for Series 14 (more on that below).

Now that we have the cast covered, let’s talk what we know of the plot. The 60th Anniversary will consist of three specials, each with different plot and villain.

In the first special, The Star Beast, Donna Noble and her family appear to be moving into a new home. Distracted by a crash, Rose Temple-Noble discovers Beep the Meep (also known as The Star Beast) and befriends her. Beep will act as an ally at first before revealing her true evil nature. The Fourteenth Doctor will be introduced, still confused by his old face reappearing. He discovers that Donna Noble is in danger and has to figure out how to save her without her blocked memories resurfacing. The Wrath Warriors are expected to appear in this special. The first special is directed by Rachel Talalay (Heaven Sent, The Doctor Falls).

As we have mainly been shown footage from the first special, not much is known about the second special, except for it's title Wild Blue Yonder. Filming occurred in an old manor house (called the Belton house) with Tennant and Tate present. The second special is directed by Tom Kingsley.

Again, not much is known about the third special but its title, The Giggle. It will feature Harris’ character and the regeneration from the Fourteenth Doctor into the Fifteenth Doctor. The third special is directed by Chanya Button.

All three specials will be written by showrunner Russell T Davies. Murray Gold, legendary composer of Series 1 through Series 10, will be returning to compose the 60th Anniversary specials.

All three specials are expected to air in November of 2023. It is unknown whether it will be the first or last special premiering on the 23rd, the day of the anniversary.

As that is the majority of what we know about the 60th Anniversary celebrations, let’s move on to the 2023 Holiday Special and Series 14.

Everything We Know About the 2023 Holiday Special and Series 14

As we know, Ncuti Gatwa will be playing the Fifteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson will be playing primary companion Ruby Sunday. That is the extent of what we know about the main cast. For simplicity's sake, I've broken down what we know into episodic categories:

The Holiday Special - Not much is known about the 2023 holiday special. This will be Gatwa's first full episode as the Doctor, as well as the episode in which the Doctor and Gibson's Ruby Sunday will meet. Filming has taken place in a graveyard, including a scene where the Doctor runs through the graveyard and stops at a headstone looking distraught. Gibson was also present for the scene.

Episode 1 - Not much is known about Episode 1 of Series 14. Writer Russell T Davies has stated that the opening sequence has "broken everyone's backs" while filming and is the highest budget episode of the series.

Episode 2 - Episode 2 is presumed to be a musical episode set in the 1960's. Guest star American drag queen Jinkx Monsoon will be playing a piano-themed villain. A scene was filmed in which a piano was pushed off a balcony, nearly missing a running Doctor and Ruby.

Episodes 3 & 4 - These episodes are rumored to be a two-parter. Aneurin Banard will be portraying a political candidate villain named Roger ap Gwilliam, head of the far-right Albion party (a subtle reference to Series 1 episodes The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances). Millie Gibson’s character was seen attending a meeting for supporters of Gwilliam, possibly as a spy for U.N.I.T.. His character is set in 2046, meaning Ruby Sunday may be a companion from the future. We have also seen a giant slug-like monster on a set with fake signage depicting a company called “Finetime.” It is unknown who the slug is portrayed/voiced by and if it is from the same episode Gwilliam is featured in. A woman appearing to be Gibson’s stunt double was seen facing off against the slug.

Episode 5 - Again, not much is known about Episode 5. Gatwa and Gibson were spotted filming on a cliffside during this filming block. Actresses Anita Dobson and Michelle Greenridge have also been cast in undisclosed roles. Some fans who have visited the set have said that Gibson called Greenridge “mum” in a scene meaning she may be playing Mrs. Sunday, however this is not confirmed. Filming for this episode took place at a sports stadium and golf course.

Episode 6 - Episode 6 will be a regency period piece, starring actress Indira Varma as The Duchess and singer Jonathan Groff in an undisclosed role. This episode is also rumored to feature Sontarans as the main villains.

Episodes 7 & 8 - Another rumored two-parter and the finale of the series, we don't know much about this one. Jemma Redgrave’s Kate Stewart and Bonnie Langford's Mel Bush will be returning as recurring characters for the series and will have main roles for the finale. 14 year-old comedian Lenny Rush will be starring as Morris, potentially an on-and-off companion similarly to Jack Harkness and River Song and will also have a main role for the finale.

Russell T Davies will act as showrunner and will be the writer of the Holiday Special and Series 14’s premiere and finale. Dylan Holmes Williams will be directing the first block, and Mark Tonderai has returned to direct the second block after previously directing The Ghost Monument and Rosa. Murray Gold has been confirmed as the composer for Gatwa's era as well.

The Holiday Special is expected to premiere in late December of 2023, most likely on Christmas day. Series 14 is expected to premiere in the first half of 2024, likely in spring.

As Series 14 is still filming, you can expect regular updates to be made to this page. With that, check back soon for updates and I’ll see you then!

Important 60th Anniversary Filming Photos Beyond This Point!