Doctor Who: celebrating Scottish links as show celebrates 60 years

When Doctor Who first aired in 1963, William Hartnell began the legacy of The Doctor. Now, 60 years later, we will soon see the 14th and 15th incarnations of the iconic character.

The incredible run is celebrated by three hour-long anniversary specials, the first of which airs tomorrow and will star fan favorite Scotsman David Tennant as the 14th Doctor.

Tennant, who held the role of The Doctor from 2005-2010 will be joined by Catherine Tate’s character Donna Noble.

Their first episode together for over 13 years has received rave reviews from critics and is being lauded as a return to form for the series.

The episode, titled “The Star Beast”, marks the return of showrunner Russel T Davies, whose work has been called the best of the show.

He hasn’t lost his touch, as “The Star Beast” is receiving praise for its character writing and atmosphere.

Davies claims that the next two anniversary episodes will be even “darker and weirder”.

Tennant’s return will be followed by fellow Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa, known for his performances in Sex Education and Barbie.

The BAFTA winner has already been spotted by fans while filming in Cardiff, sporting a kilt.

Fellow Scottish actor Ben Presley, who played Paul in the episode “Knock Knock” is very excited to see Gatwa’s performance.

He said: “I think he brings a different spin on it.

“He brings something fresh and something new.

“And he’s got a lovely, wonderful Scottish accent which has always done well with Doctor Who.

“I’m not sure when the new next transformation will be but Russell T Davies is back as well.

“So its just about keeping it fresh and having new ideas, its all very exciting and that’s exactly what you want when you have a new Doctor.

“It’s one of these clever things with The Doctor, reinventing themselves, you’re able to cast different actors with different takes.

“It keeps it fresh, you know what you’re gonna get but it’s a fresh take on it.”

Gatwa will be the first person of colour and queer actor to play the leading role.

Fans already got a glimpse of him in Thursday’s re-run of the 50th anniversary special when he was edited into the scene in place of Matt Smith in the episodes the final moments.

He will star in his debut series in 2024.

Scottish influence on Doctor Who

Presley has also appeared on screen with David Tennant in the film What We Did on Our Holiday.

He was full of praise for the star and called him “the heart of The Doctor” and said “he’s a wonderful actor, I don’t think there’s much he could do wrong!”

The iconic series has seen a lot of Scottish influence over it’s decades spanning run; while Tennant is the most iconic, others successfully left a mark.

Peter Capaldi, who held the role of The Doctor when Presley made his appearance, Sylvester McCoy who was the 7th Doctor complete the quartet of Scotsman in leading roles.

And Marvel star Karen Gillan was the 11th Doctor’s primary companion Amy Pond.

What life is like on Doctor Who

Recounting his time on the show, Presley was full of praise.

“Working on Doctor Who was one of my favorite things I’ve worked on” he said.

“It was such a fun relaxing environment full of wonderful, wonderful people.

“Obviously with it being sci-fi there was lot’s of really cool special effects and costumes and makeup.

“I was actually gutted that my capture scene was off camera.

“There was a couple of guys who got taken into the walls and got the cool makeup.

“I wanted to have some cool makeup, but it was just as good to see it happen live.

“As actors we’re just there to play a tiny part in these massive stories, so I was just very grateful and happy to be part of it.”

Doctor Who: The Star Beast airs at 6:30PM November 25 on BBC One.

It is also available on Disney+ outside of the UK and Ireland.