As the series’ Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston famously revived Doctor Who in 2005, setting the stage for a whole new era of the show, working under then (and future) showrunner Russell T. Davies. Unfortunately, Eccleston’s run as the Doctor lasted only one season. He hasn’t played the Doctor onscreen since, although he has recorded some Doctor Who audio adventures.
The show marched on to great success sans Eccleston, and is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2023. Davies, who is returning as showrunner, is pulling out all the stops to ensure this will be a celebration to remember. We already know that David Tennant and Catherine Tate are returning as the Tenth Doctor and his companion Donna, which I am so excited about. And we know that Ncuti Gatwa will officially take over for Jodie Whittaker once the anniversary special airs.
There is a lot to look forward to, including a potential return for Eccleston, who revealed to RadioTimes that he has “recorded something very special” for the big anniversary.
Is Christoper Eccleston in the Doctor Who 60th anniversary special?
All that said, it doesn’t appear that Eccleston is in the actual television special, but rather has once again lent his voice to some Doctor Who audio adventures for Big Finish. He confirmed that the audio story would focus on David Warner, who is best known for being the voice of the “Unbound Doctor.” The only time Warner made a physical appearance on the series was back in a season 7 episode called “Cold War.”
“I’ve recorded something very special for the 60th anniversary,” Eccleston said. “And for me, it was all about working with this incredible actor and incredible human being called David Warner.”
He also shared that this was his “favorite” recording yet and that it would “be worth the wait” for all Whovians. “David Warner is extraordinary,” Eccleston said. “And if any actor should have been the Doctor, it would have been David.” Maybe, there’s still hope?
Despite Eccleston’s absence from the actual television special, I’m happy to learn that he is still a part of the show’s 60th anniversary. I know there was some turmoil following his departure from the series all those years ago, so it’s great to see he’s come back in some capacity!
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h/t Digital Spy