Rumors have been flying around on the internet for about a day now, but we are pleased to report, officially, that the next Doctor will be revealed this Sunday, August 4, on a live, special broadcast. So what, and who, can you expect from this special? Read on to get the details.
The special will air on Sunday at 2pm eastern standard time, or 7pm in the UK, on BBC One and, fortunately for all us American Doctor Who fans, BBC America. The live broadcast will be hosted by english television host Zoe Ball, and the 11th Doctor himself, Matt Smith, and show runner Steven Moffat will both appear to help announce Smith’s successor in the iconic role. It looks like, in the particularly enthusiastic spirit of the 50th anniversary, the special will be quite a show, featuring several Who-related guests other than Smith and Moffat, as well as several interviews. The new Doctor, whoever they may be, will be interviewed for the first time as part of the special, as will Matt Smith and Steven Moffat. Meanwhile, the official press release also mentions “live special guests, Doctors old and new, as well as companions and celebrity fans,” indicating that we will likely see Clara Oswin Oswald actress, and current companion, Jenna Coleman and several other guests.
The show will last a respectable half hour, so we shouldn’t have to sit through too much stalling before the actor behind the 12th Doctor is announced. A live studio audience will also be present, so you can bet there will be plenty of rumors flying around on Twitter immediately before the announcement.
Steven Moffat released a characteristically vague statement on the event, saying,
The decision is made and the time has come to reveal who’s taking over the TARDIS. For the last of the Time Lords, the clock is striking twelve.
The identity of the actor behind the 12th Doctor has spurred plenty of speculation, especially as the show continues to grow in popularity at home and abroad. Much of the buzz has focused on hopes that the next Doctor might break the precedent of white male actor set by Doctors 1 through 11, and even John Hurt’s enigmatic new character. On Sunday, we’ll certainly find out for sure.
Matt Smith announced his decision to leave Doctor Who back in early June, but the 11th Doctor will still appear in the 50th Anniversary Special on November 23 and the Christmas Special, where it is known the character will regenerate, taking on the new face that will be revealed on Sunday. Check out a short promo for the special below.
(via BBC Press Release, video via Blastr)
- Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special To Air Simultaneously World Wide
- Moffat Has Known For Years Smith Would Leave
- 12 Unlikely Candidates For The Next Doctor
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