Doctor Who Reveals Anniversary Miniseries With Classic Stars

This week the Doctor Who universe is expanding with the official launch of what is now being dubbed “The Whoniverse”—a streaming home for over 800 episodes of Doctor Who and its spinoffs from the BBC... and now, its first original programming.

The BBC has confirmed that November 1 will see the launch of Tales of the TARDIS, a six-episode omnibus collection written by returning Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies, as well as previous Who scribes Phil Ford and Pete McTighe. Tales will collect six classic Doctor Who stories in an omnibus format, with new interlinking scenes starring legendary classic Doctors and a companions reprising their roles.

Pairings include Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred as the Seventh Doctor and Ace, Peter Davison and Janet Fielding as the Fifth Doctor and Tegan Jovanka, Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant as the Sixth Doctor and Peri, Maureen O’Brien and Peter Purves as the First Doctor’s companions Vicki and Steven, Frazer Hines and Wendy Padbury as the Second Doctor’s companions Jamie and Zoe, and Katy Manning and Daniel Anthony as the third Doctor’s companion Jo Grant and Sarah Jane Adventures’ Clyde.

The series will mark the official launch of “The Whoniverse,” the BBC’s name for its new streaming home for 800 episodes of Doctor Who and its spinoffs past and present, as well as archival material from behind-the-scenes on the series, and now, seemingly, new programming to accompany it. “The word Whoniverse was invented by fans, so it’s time to give it official status,” Davis said in a statement about the launch of the new program platform. “Tales of the TARDIS is one of the greatest delights of my career—to see old Doctors and companions reunited, still fighting the good fight, is a perfect way to celebrate the Doctor’s 60th birthday!”

Tales of the TARDIS will launch exclusively in the UK and Ireland on the BBC iPlayer this Wednesday, November 1. Plans for its release outside of those regions have yet to be announced.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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