A few weeks ago, it was confirmed that Matt Smith would be making his exit from the iconic role of Doctor Who at the end of the year.
Smith will be staying on for the next two episodes – the 50th Anniversary Special, due to air on November 23rd; and the Christmas Special – before handing over the keys to the kingdom to the next generation.
Following recent speculation that the new face of Doctor Who is to be announced this weekend, the BBC have just confirmed that a special 30-minute programme will air live on BBC One this Sunday, 4th August, and be simultaneously broadcast on BBC America.
The live programme will be hosted by Zoe Ball, and will feature special guests, including Smith alongside previous Doctors, companions, and celebrity fans. (If he’s not busy, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Benedict Cumberbatch in attendance – assuming he’s not going to lead both of Steven Moffat’s shows, that is.)
Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor will air on BBC One at 7pm this coming Sunday, 4th August. If you want to be amongst the first to find out who the next Doctor will be, then be sure to tune in on Sunday night. And if you don’t, and would rather wait until the regeneration happens, then best of luck to you, because it’s going to be a difficult one to avoid.
Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor
In a special one-off live television event on BBC One this Sunday 4th August at 7pm, the next Doctor will be exclusively revealed to the nation.
Widely regarded as one of the most hotly contested roles in British television, the show’s host Zoe Ball will unveil the 12th Doctor in the first ever interview in front of a live studio audience set against the backdrop of a swirling vortex, amongst Daleks and the TARDIS.
The half hour show will include live special guests, Doctors old and new, as well as companions and celebrity fans.
Excitement will reach fever pitch as they speculate and recall their favourites, plus feature clips and moments from across the show’s 50 year history.
Current Doctor Matt Smith and lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat will both give interviews about one of the biggest roles in TV and set out just what it takes to be the Doctor.
Steven Moffat says: “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.”
Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One says: “BBC One is the home of big live events and this special live show is the perfect way to reveal the identity of the next Doctor and share it with the nation. The Doctor is a truly iconic role and I’m more than excited about the booking.”
Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning says: “We can’t wait to unveil the next Doctor with everyone live on BBC1 on Sunday night. Amongst all the speculation and betting, there has been lots of fun and intrigue at work as we’ve been using the codename Houdini as a decoy! It’s the biggest secret in showbiz, even those working with the new Doctor on other projects at the moment have no idea they are in the presence of the 12th incarnation.”
Keep up to date with all the latest news about the show and special guests as we build to the big climax over the next few days and follow www.facebook.com/BBCOne, @ BBCOne and @bbcdoctorwho and bbc.co.uk/doctorwho
The special live show is made by BBC Entertainment and Events for BBC One, Guy Freeman is Executive producer and Pinki Chambers is Executive Commissioning Editor. Commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One.
The show will be simulcast live on BBC America. Doctor Who is produced by BBC Cymru Wales.
