Doctor Who Is Bringing Back Two Companions – Or Are They?

It is clear that Doctor Who is in a need of a shake up, and that is indeed what we are getting.

It is clear that Doctor Who is in a need of a shake up, and that is indeed what we are getting.

Following the announcement earlier this year of David Tennant returning for the 60th anniversary and the huge news dropping last week that our next Doctor will be Sex Education‘s Ncuti Gatwa, it only makes sense to rock the Tardis even more and throw out two new announcements this week.

The first being that the beloved duo of David Tennant and Catherine Tate are back for future episodes of Doctor Who. One of the things that fans have come to expect is heartbreak when it comes to Doctor Who. It doesn’t matter if its companions, villains we love to hate, or even the Doctor themselves – eventually time moves on and so do these beloved characters. However, it seems in recent years the franchise has really focused on finding ways to return some of the most fan favorites, or in Donna’s case the most debated.

Doctor Who Goes From Donna To… Rose?

During the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, we saw Rose Tyler return with not only David Tennant, but also Matt Smith. Jack Harkness, played by John Barrowman, returned during Jodi Whittake’s time as The Doctor. And we have seen small moments from companions over the seasons as story lines get wrapped up. But Donna?!

There are two things that instantly come to mind. The first being that Donna, played by Catherine Tate, is one of the most loved and hated characters for fans of Doctor Who to debate. Many fans didn’t like the loud, crazy runaway bride they were introduced to. While for other fans it felt like the perfect match after Rose. The second issue that comes to mind is regarding how they left Donna at the end. The Doctor had to wipe her memory in order to save her life. Before leaving Donna behind with her family, the Doctor made sure to warn them. If she remembers anything, she will die.

So, what brings them together? Does she remember? And with this being for the 60th anniversary, are we going to need tissues and emotional support?

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said:

“They’re back! And it looks impossible- first, we announce a new Doctor, and then an old Doctor, along with the wonderful Donna, what on earth is happening? Maybe this is a missing story. Or a parallel world. Or a dream, or a trick, or a flashback. The only thing I can confirm is that it’s going to be spectacular, as tow of our greatest stars reunite for the battle of lifetime.”

What is happening? Davies words are right on the money regarding how fans are feeling right now. Because even after the announcement of the return of Tennant and Tate, fans got even more. It was announced a few days ago that Netflix’s Heartstopper breakout Yasmin Finney has been cast to play Rose.

“How can there be another Rose?” Davies teased, drawing attention to the beloved character played by Billie Piper during 2005 to 2010. Not only does Rose have a long relationship with the Tennant as the Doctor, but Billie Piper returned to revive her role during the last anniversary.

One thing we do know is that Finney will be one of the first transgender actors to appear in Doctor Who. While we might not know how there can be another Rose, fans can put their faith in newest member Yasmin Finney. Who Davies has said to have fallen in love with after watching her in Heartstopper and describing it as “one of those shows which changes the world.”

Filming will start soon and looks to align with the 14th season of the show, but that doesn’t rule out the 60th anniversary. Like most things currently in works under Doctor Who, we have no idea what to expect. Throughout all of 2022 so far we have been given crumbs of information, but that is ok. Because no matter how hard they shake up the Whoverse, we will always have a Doctor to find our way back.