David Tennant’s return as Doctor Who for BBC Children in Need sends Time Lord fans wild

David Tennant has sent Doctor Who fans wild after making a surprise return to his iconic role for a BBC Children In Need clip.

The Scottish actor, best known for playing the Time Lord in Russell T. Davies’ sci-fi television series, took to the stage on Friday night’s telethon in a dramatic sketch to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary. The short film saw the Tardis accidentally landing at the “genesis of the Daleks” the Doctor’s arch-enemies, with Pakistani-British actor Mawaan Rizwan trying to come up for a name of the newly invented machine.

After crashing into the Dalek with his Tardis, Tennant pops his head out of the police booth and quips: “Hello, just passing by because I got a bit lost, it’s funny 60 minutes ago I was this really brilliant woman and now I’ve got this old face back again. I mean, why?” Realizing his surroundings, he then launches into an apology before supplying Mawaan’s mysterious character with a word for his machine.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I am so, so sorry, I think I broke this multi-clawed adaptable … oh, that’s a Dalek,” he says after noticing the travel device, to which Rizwan replies, “Good word, Dalek. Yes, that’s it.”

“I’m lucky, I wasn’t exterminated,” Tennant jokes. “Wait do you mean this is the genesis of the Daleks?” After damaging the Dalek, the Doctor hands over a plunger from his Tardis which marks the origins of the Dalek arm, according to the official Doctor Who Twitter page.

Fans of the show were delighted by the skit, with many taking to X to share their reactions. “The Doctor Who special is incredible! I mean Davros pre dalekification and David Tennant at the Genesis of the Daleks giving it a plunger,” one person gushed, while another simply said, “David Tennant was born to play the doctor.”

David Tennant is set to reunite with Catherine Tate for three special 60th anniversary episodes of Doctor Who airing on November 25, before Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa takes over the role. During the Children In Need broadcast, it was revealed that a whopping £17,648,781 had been raised so far.

The show, which aims to better the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK, saw a star-studded lineup of hosts, including Mel Giedroyc, Ade Adepitan, Jason Manford, Chris Ramsey, Alex Scott and newcomer Lenny Rush. The evening kicked off with a heartfelt message from the Princess of Wales, who said: “Hello everyone. I’m delighted that Children In Need have invited me to open this evening’s show.

“Tonight is all about helping to support, champion and empower all children to be the very best they can be, which is crucial for their future health and happiness. Our relationships, surroundings and experiences during the earliest years lay the foundations that shape the rest of our lives.

“Yet, sadly, we know that for too many people, stressful and traumatic situations in early childhood can cause harm and it can take many years to overcome.” Kate, who launched her Early Years campaign, Shaping Us, in January, emphasised the importance of nurturing every childhood, before describing why projects supported by Children In Need “are so important.”

She also expressed her admiration for the work done to support young, vulnerable children, adding They help the very youngest, most vulnerable members of our society feel safe, secure and loved in these important, formative years, so that they can enjoy their childhoods now, and grow to reach their potential and thrive in the world in later life.”

Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock also graced the stage with a performance of her solo single ‘My Love’. The 32-year-old singer, who was accompanied by young dancers from the Aim Sky High company, shared her experience of visiting a Children In Need project, describing it as “amazing, just a really inspiring day.”