Entitled "The Power Of The Doctor," Doctor Who's Centenary Special promises to provide a thrilling conclusion to Jodie Whittaker's time as the Doctor, with a variety of guest stars returning for her last episode. The September 2022 issue of Doctor Who Magazine features some tantalizing teases regarding the story's secret narrative, which sees the Master teaming up with the Daleks and Cybermen against the Time Lord and her friends. The episode's cast and crew have given many fascinating behind-the-scenes tidbits, which suggest the Centenary Special could be one of the show's greatest episodes yet.
These exciting behind-the-scenes quotes reveal some big plans by Chibnall for Jodie Whittaker's regeneration, promising an epic end to her TARDIS travels. The backstage discussions regarding the Centenary Special has left many fans eager to discover more, with their comments implying the story could be a truly unmissable episode.
"He watched a particular Ace and Sylvester story over and over again."
— Sophie Aldred on Jacob Anderson.
First appearing in "Dragonfire," Sophie Aldred's portrayal of Ace has seen her become one of Doctor Who's most popular companions. The rebellious teen entertained actor Jacob Anderson, who plays Vinder, during his childhood, with Sophie Aldred having recalled to Doctor Who Magazine a conversation she had with Anderson.
This quote from Aldred reveals how she was "moved" by Anderson's reflections on her TARDIS journey. Aldred talks of how he informed her that the classic series had made a "massive difference" in his life, demonstrating the clear passion towards Doctor Who's original run.
"There'll be a lot of laughs and tears in that final episode."
— Chris Chibnall.
Through his five years in charge of the show, Chris Chibnall has arguably become Doctor Who's greatest showrunner. His sheer dedication to diversity has opened the series to many new voices from underrepresented backgrounds. Chibnall's latest remarks on the Centenary Special propose some big plans for Jodie Whittaker's final story (Via Digital Spy).
Chibnall has declared the special to feature "a lot of laughs and tears." His statement promises fans a jam-packed episode, with the showrunner mentioning his desire "to do everything" in this spectacular last episode for the Broadchurch writer.
"It was good to renew that sparring with the Master. We spark off each other."
— Patrick O'Kane.
Introduced in "The Haunting Of Villa Diodati," Ashad, played by actor Patrick O'Kane, is one of the show's greatest additions to the Cybermen's magnificent lore, with his strong belief in the conversion process bringing some especially creepy vibes. The Lone Cyberman returns in Jodie Whittaker's final episode, with O'Kane excited to renite with Sacha Dhawan's Master (according to Doctor Who Magazine).
O'Kane seems particularly enthusiastic for Ashad to be interacting with this incarnation of the Master once again, describing how they "spark off each other." The Master's deadly team-up with the Lone Cyberman provided one of the biggest highlights of "The Timeless Children," with the pair showing plenty of chemistry, and their reunion could pose a serious threat to Jodie Whittaker's incarnation.
"It feels like you're giving yourself stitches — like, 'Why have you done it?' But… it felt right."
— Jodie Whittaker on her character's regeneration.
Since "The Woman Who Fell To Earth," the Thirteenth Doctor has delivered some of the best Doctor Who quotes, with the bubbly Yorkshire woman having contributed to some of the show's greatest moments. Jodie Whittaker's recent interview with Entertainment Weekly after stepping down from the role has shown her thoughts on leaving the iconic part behind.
This rather bittersweet quote from Jodie Whittaker offers an amusing perspective on regeneration, as she compares her exit to "giving yourself stitches." However, despite humorously voicing her pain at leaving the part, she also reflects that her regeneration "felt right," implying that the episode provides a fitting ending for her beloved incarnation.
“You can see the change in the Doctor and change in the dynamic.”
— John Bishop on the Doctor and Yaz.
Since his debut in "The Halloween Apocalypse," Dan Lewis has become one of Doctor Who's most outstanding characters, with actor John Bishop imbuing the kind-hearted Liverpudlian with plenty of heart. The stand-up comic has also voiced his passionate views on the Doctor and Yaz's romance, which is due to be explored further in the Centenary Special (Via Doctor Who Companion).
John Bishop's words reflect on their blossoming romance, as he mentions how you can "see the change" in their relationship in the Centenary Special. His remark assures fans that their relationship will feature prominently within the feature-length episode, with the Doctor and Yaz's love story having enthralled fans during the Chibnall era.
"When I watched the episode I thought ‘I’m glad we landed that.'"
— Sacha Dhawan on fighting the Doctor.
Over the years, the Master has gotten worse and worse on Doctor Who. Actor Sacha Dhawan is set to return to the role in the Centenary Special and has lately teased his appearance to Doctor Who Magazine.
This line from Sacha Dhawan sees him declare his satisfaction with his scenes within the episode. His interview with the magazine features him comparing the Master's latest encounter with the Doctor to Sherlock's iconic Reichenbach Falls, teasing an explosive final battle between Sacha Dhawan's incarnation and the Thirteenth Doctor.
“Everybody clapped her – and Mandip, actually."
— Director Jamie Stone on Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill.
The Centenary Special will see the show bid a fond farewell to some of the show's most iconic recent additions, with the current TARDIS crew having chosen to depart the show. The episode's director, Jamie Stone, has fond memories of their final day on set, recalling Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill's last moments (Via RadioTimes).
These sentimental words display the huge amount of respect shown towards the pair by the cast and crew. Jamie Stone tells of how they "clapped her and Mandip" during their last day on set, hinting that viewers may be in for a spectacular performance by the show's magnificent duo.
"Jodie has a very similar energy to Sylvester — she has that kind of curiosity."
— Sophie Aldred on Jodie Whittaker.
Sophie Aldred developed an especially close friendship with Sylvester McCoy, with the pair having developed a strong rapport during the show's John Nathan Turner era. Speaking to Doctor Who Magazine, Sophie Aldred has shown similar feelings towards Jodie Whittaker.
Sophie Aldred's observations see her discuss a few similarities between Jodie Whittaker and Sylvester McCoy's takes on the character. The popular classic series actor, who many Doctor Who fans are excited to see return in the Centenary Special, believes Jodie Whittaker possesses a "similar energy" to Sylvester McCoy, which could lead to some particularly strong chemistry between herself and the Thirteenth Doctor.
“[Yaz's story] definitely comes to an end in that episode, but not forever.”
— Mandip Gill.
Since her first appearance as Yasmin Khan in "The Woman Who Fell To Earth," Mandip Gill has developed a significant fan base. The actor is due to leave Doctor Who in the upcoming Centenary Special, but her interview with RadioTimes suggests her exit may not be permanent.
This comment from Gill brings much hope for fans of her electrifying portrayal. The British star claims that Yaz's story may not be over "forever," implying that viewers may not have to wait long for Yaz to return in the show's future.
"It’s all so much bigger and grander now. The sets definitely didn’t wobble."
— Janet Fielding.
Doctor Who has changed significantly over its 60-year history, with the show's behind-the-scenes production having been forced to adapt to the changing technological landscape. Janet Fielding, who appeared in Doctor Who as Tegan Jovanka from 1981 to 1984, is particularly surprised by how much the series has evolved, remarking on these differences in the program's creation to Doctor Who Magazine.
Janet Fielding's observations note the classic series' poor production values in comparison to the modern era. Specifically, she mentions how "the sets definitely didn't wobble" during the making of the Centenary Special, unlike with the classic series, where the sets often struggled from the budget limitations.