Fans go wild as David Tennant returns to Doctor Who during Jodie Whittaker's regeneration

Jodie Whittaker’s time as the Doctor has come to an end and her regeneration has revealed a rather surprising familiar face: which is none other than David Tennant.

Tennant, who played the 10th incarnation of the Doctor back in 2005, has temporarily reprised his role alongside Catherine Tate to be the 14th Doctor Who.

Tate has reprised her role as Donna Noble, with the duo appearing in three special episodes that will be transmitted to viewers in November 2023 as Doctor Who celebrates its 60th anniversary on television.

Whittaker's departure also marks the end of showrunner Chris Chibnall's time on the show.

Russell T Davies is confirmed to return for the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who in 2023 and will take charge of the series thereafter.

Davies was at the helm of Doctor Who's 2005 revival, which revamped the popular series and attracted hordes of fans.

The showrunner then left in 2010, with Steven Moffat and then Chris Chibnall picking up the baton.

BBC

Davies revealed in a statement: "If you thought the appearance of David Tennant was a shock, we’ve got plenty more surprises on the way."

Tennant will pave the way for Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa, who will take over as the Doctor's 15th manifestation.

Davies added: "The path to Ncuti’s 15th Doctor is laden with mystery, horror, robots, puppets, danger and fun!"

He also teased that it is all linked to Tate's character, Donna Noble.

"And how is it connected to the return of the wonderful Donna Noble? How, what, why? We’re giving you a year to speculate, and then all hell lets loose," he teased in a BBC statement.

Gatwa teased the news of him stepping into the shoes of the iconic Doctor back in May.

The sneaky hint sent fans into a tizzy after Davies commented 'the future is here' on the post.

Speaking of his foray into Doctordom, Gatwa said: "There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling.

"A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared.

"This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care.

"I will endeavour my utmost to do the same."

BBC

The actor went on to say of his new collaborator: "Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true.

"His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger. An actor’s metaphorical playground.

"The entire team has been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show.

"And so as much as it’s daunting, I’m aware I’m joining a really supportive family.

"Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show."