John Barrowman to Make Second Comeback in FEATURE-LENGTH 'Doctor Who' Special

Doctor Who returned this year with Series 12; Jodie Whittaker’s second series as the Thirteenth Doctor. The twelfth series proved to be widely popular and a massive step up from Series 11, including the return of familiar enemies, planets and companions.

Sacha Dhawan stepped into the series in the opening story “Spyfall” where he was later revealed to be the Master. Before or after Missy? That remains a mystery, but he then later returned in the finale, where he took us to Gallifrey, and all secrets were revealed and he tried making Time Lord Cybermen. However, the episode “Fugitive of the Judoon” proved to be the fan favourite which saw not only the return of the Judoon, but Captain Jack Harkness! Even if he didn’t get to meet the female Doctor.

Today (on Doctor Who Day!) it has been announced that following his brief appearance in the main series, John Barrowman will be returning to the show once again in a FEATURE-LENGTH special episode titled “Revolution of the Daleks”. On social media Barrowman said:

“CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS is back! I have kept this secret for a long time. But I can finally announce, Jack is back to save the Universe from the Dalek’s along with #TeamTardis and yes, he finally meets the Doctor #13. This year’s Festive episode will be epic! What do we need right now during this time? A Hero like Captain Jack to help save the day!”

Whittaker will still be joined by Mandip Gill, Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole, to create an extended Team TARDIS to battle the newly designed Daleks. Executive Producer and the current showrunner, Chris Chibnall, said:

“A Doctor Who Festive Special means treats galore, and there’s no bigger treat than the return of John Barrowman to Doctor Who, for an epic and emotional feature-length episode. If anyone can blast away the sheer rubbishness of 2020, it’s Captain Jack. Daleks beware!”

The release date for the special is yet to be announced, but what do we know so far?

The special is reportedly expected to be the last episode for Tosin Cole and Bradley Walsh after it was reported that they are stepping down as companions for new roles in other shows. This is yet to be confirmed. But this has later sparked a conversation whether or not the two companions would actually be more part-time companions that make on and off appearances in the next series whilst Yaz is still travelling full-time with the Doctor.

Also, despite the pandemic, it has been announced Whittaker is back out filming in Cardiff for Series 13. Filming which began a few weeks ago, is expected to run until the summer with a potential autumn air date. Chibnall confirmed to viewers that because of the pandemic, the next series will be eight episodes long. What does this mean for the show?

Unfortunately it means the next series will be at least two episodes short, but this gives the opportunity to use the budget more equally across episodes with bigger and better SFX. Fans are hoping that the eight episodes will consist of one bigger story plot giving more character development. It is expected that Jo Martin will return as the Fugitive Doctor as part of the continued Timeless Child story arc. Martin has only appeared in two episodes so far, but following the revelation, that cannot be the last we saw of her.

Sadly, for now, Doctor Who fans have to sit tight as the release date and trailer for “Revolution of the Daleks” is yet to be released by the BBC. Christmas schedules are due to be released in the next few weeks, so it’s all eyes on the press centre at the moment. But with Jack announced for the special episode, it is already given that we are in for a treat over the Christmas period. Just what we need after this year. Watch this space for more information on the upcoming special episode!