Doctor Who's final Jodie Whittaker episode broke a huge record

As Thirteen would say, "Oh, brilliant!"

By Joe Anderton

26 Nov 2022

jodie whittaker, doctor who, the power of the doctor

Sarah WealBBC

Jodie Whittaker's final episode on Doctor Who, last month's 'The Power of the Doctor', broke a big TV record when it aired.

While you think it might have to do with viewing figures, it's actually to do with an actor who appeared in one short scene.

William Russell reprised his role as First Doctor companion Ian Chesterton for the special, which also served to celebrate 100 years of the BBC. It had actually been a whopping 57 years since he last played the character, and that's what set the record.

william russell as ian chesterson in doctor who

BBC

Guinness World Records verified this was the case in a statement (via Metro) that reads: "The longest gap between TV appearances is 57 years 120 days, and was achieved by William Russell (UK) as the Doctor Who character Ian Chesterton in the 'The Power of the Doctor' episode, which aired on 23 October, 2022."

The publication also quotes a BBC spokesperson as stating: "We’re delighted William Russell, along with other familiar faces, appeared in 'The Power of the Doctor'. It’s testament to the show’s loyal viewers and fanbase that a character can return so many years later and receive such a positive reaction."

Coronation Street previously held the record, as actor Philip Lowrie had 43 years between appearances as Dennis Tanner.

doctor who the power of the doctor, doctor who, the power of the doctor,ace sophie aldred, janet fielding

James PardonBBC

Jodie's last episode also brought back previous companions Tegan and Ace for a big chunk of the story, with the latter's actress Sophie Aldred stating that she "burst into tears" when she got the call.

"It was the call that all of us [companions] have been waiting for all these years," she said. "I then had a Zoom call with Chris [Chibnall] and he said, ‘Would you do me the great honour of being in the special?’ I was like, 'Wild horses wouldn’t stop me.'"

Going forward, we've got three specials featuring David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor before Ncuti Gatwa takes over as Fifteen.

Doctor Who returns in 2023 on BBC One in the UK and Disney+ elsewhere. Meanwhile, in the US, the show airs on BBC America, with series 1-12 available on HBO Max. Classic Doctor Who streams on BritBox in the UK.