‘Doctor Who’ Legend Is Officially Ready To Return to the Sci-Fi Franchise
Tom Baker, who played the Fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981, says he would be willing to return to Doctor Who and remains fond of the series. His comments come as the franchise prepares for a comeback, renewing interest in whether another former Doctor might appear on screen.
Baker last appeared in the 2013 50th anniversary special, playing the Curator, a character suggested to be a future incarnation of the Doctor. He said he would return if asked, adding that he is “quite shameless” about taking work. The article also notes that the BBC closed its call for production proposals on 2 October 2026, with shortlisted candidates expected to be interviewed in January 2027; audio dramas continue through Big Finish.
- Tom Baker says he would return to Doctor Who.
- He last appeared in the 2013 50th anniversary special.
- The BBC is considering proposals for the franchise’s comeback.
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Doctor Who is a long-running BBC science-fiction series about the Doctor, an alien who travels through time and space in a ship called the TARDIS. The lead role has been played by different actors over the decades, with the Doctor’s ability to regenerate providing an explanation for the changes.
Tom Baker played the Fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981 and is one of the best-known actors to have taken the role. He later appeared in the 2013 anniversary special as the Curator, a character linked to the Doctor’s future.
The BBC makes the television series, while Big Finish produces Doctor Who audio dramas featuring past actors and characters. The show’s future production plans matter to fans because they will shape how the television series continues, while interest in former Doctors reflects the programme’s long history.