David Tennant added this Doctor Who regeneration line

Sometimes, Doctors really do know best.

By Katie Francis

14 Nov 2022

doctor who, david tennant as the fourteenth doctor

BBC

Doctor Who fans were overjoyed to see the return of David Tennant in the titular role for its special regeneration episode.

In a surprising twist, Jodie Whittaker’s final moment as the Thirteenth Doctor didn’t see her regenerate into someone new, but into the much-loved Tennant, who played the Tenth Doctor over three series.

And it turns out that Tennant stepped straight back into the role, even coming up with his own first words in reference to his first appearance in 2005.

In the regeneration scene, which aired on October 23, Whittaker stepped outside of the TARDIS and awaited her evolution into the next iteration of The Doctor. Tennant appeared in her place, complete with a classic suit.

The stunned Doctor then exclaimed, "I know these teeth”, before sweeping his hands over his face and realising that his prior form had returned.

Showrunner Russell T Davies, who is also returning for Tennant’s episodes, explained to Doctor Who Magazine (via RadioTimes) that the hilarious line came from Tennant himself.

doctor who's david tennant in the tardis

BBCBBC

"It wasn't exactly the longest day at the keyboard," Davies said, sharing that the rest of the scene was easy to write. "They're obvious first lines. But David added the bit about teeth. That’s his line. So it’s written by the two of us."

Expert Tennant stepped in to add the amendment, which cleverly called back to one of his first lines from when he took over the role from Christopher Eccleston: “New teeth. That’s weird.”

Davies was as won over by the line as the show's fans, saying: "That's rather nice, isn't it? I like that. I was really chuffed."

The partnership between Davies and Tennant will continue for three 60th anniversary specials in November 2023, each spanning an hour and also featuring the return of Catherine Tate as Donna Noble.

BBC

We can also expect to see Ncuti Gatwa on our screens during the episodes, as he prepares to pick up the mantle as the Fifteenth Time Lord.

The action-packed trailer for the 2023 return hints at an exciting appearance from Neil Patrick Harris and a very confused Gatwa. Looks like he (and the rest of us) will hop into the TARDIS next year to find out what’s in store!

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.