It’s an exciting time for Doctor Who fans. First, Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa was announced as the new Doctor. Then the BBC revealed that stars David Tennant and Catherine Tate will be returning to the show in 2023 alongside writer Russel T Davies. It has been over 12 years since we last saw the iconic Doctor Donna duo on our TV screens. Fans are ecstatic that their childhood favourites are returning. I run through the essential Doctor Donna episodes for you to re-watch to prepare for the new episodes.
1. Doomsday
This iconic episode sees the Doctor simultaneously battle both the Daleks and the Cybermen. It takes an emotional twist as the Doctor faces losing his companion, Rose. In the final moments of the episode, we get the perfect glimpse of Catherine Tate’s character, as Donna appears in a wedding dress, extremely confused.
2. Partners In Crime
Featuring Doctor Who’s cutest villain to date, the Adipose, this comical episode sees a spectacular Doctor Donna reunion as the pair investigate a deadly diet pill.
3. Silence in the Library
To my parent’s dismay, this thrilling two-part episode heightened my fear of the dark as a child. Its carnivorous shadows remain creepy in adulthood. This classic episode contains everything typical of Doctor Who from unnerving monsters to witty repertoire. It introduces key recurring character, Riversong
4. Turn Left
This dystopian episode speculates an alternative history where the Doctor dies fighting the Racnoss in the 2006 Christmas Special, ‘The Runaway’ bride. It sees a reappearance of Rose as in the Doctor’s absence she must convince Donna to save the world.
5. The End of Time
This list would not be complete without the most recent Doctor Donna episode. This Christmas special two-parter marks the end of an era as it becomes clear Donna will forget her memories with the Doctor and the Doctor is ready to regenerate. This ending leaves open a world or two of possibilities for the 2023 episode.
