Doctor Who fans will be able to watch the second Time Lord's "never-before-seen" regeneration into the third Doctor in a new colourised version of an episode from 1969, the BBC has said.
The final black and white adventure returns in full colour! 🎨 #DoctorWho: THE WAR GAMES in Colour premieres on @BBCiPlayer in the UK on December 23rd. #DoctorWhoDay
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) November 23, 2024
Find out more 👉 https://t.co/QH3SFy4Lnf pic.twitter.com/41HkfvBP9x
Originally airing as part of the War Games story arc in 1969, the episode marked the transition between Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee playing the Doctor in the sci-fi television favourite.
For the first time, the pivotal scenes have been colourised and enhanced with visual effects for a 90-minute, feature-length programme that will air on Monday 23 December on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer.
"The episode will also feature the second Doctor's never-before-seen regeneration into the third Doctor," the BBC revealed.
Patrick Troughton, the Second Doctor, was born on this day 104 years ago 🎂 #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/ULu350ci2D
— Radio Times (@RadioTimes) March 25, 2024
The new version will also include updated sound, a new score, and recovered footage not seen since the original broadcast.
The original War Games episodes saw Troughton and his companions Zoe and Jamie, played by Wendy Padbury and Frazer Hines, land in a battlefield that appeared to be a military zone in the First World War.
However, they soon discover that soldiers from different historical periods have been abducted and are being manipulated in a cruel game.
As they work to uncover the mystery behind the War Lord and his twisted experiments, the Doctor faces one of his most difficult challenges.
Christmas in November, courtesy of @BBCCiN! 🧸🎄
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) November 15, 2024
Watch a sneak preview of the upcoming #DoctorWho special JOY TO THE WORLD… pic.twitter.com/pHLGJW9vkA
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said: "From the day I arrived back on Doctor Who, this was the plan. To colourise old stories and bring them back to life.
"And on Doctor Who Day itself, it's great to announce this, celebrating the show's wonderful heritage with an all-time classic.
"It looks so vivid and new - and for fans of black and white, the story in its original form will stay on BBC iPlayer, so everyone wins."
The screenwriter recalled first watching the episode in 1969 at age six and shared his excitement that fans old and new can "enjoy it all over again".
Davies was responsible for Doctor Who's revival in 2005 but left the series in 2009. He returned as showrunner in 2023 to coincide with the 60th anniversary.
The special marks the second time a classic Doctor Who story has been colourised following The Daleks in 2023, which was updated to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the franchise.
Time to reverse the polarity! Remembering Jon Pertwee, the Third Doctor, on his birthday 🎂 #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/K5B1YvtCgY
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) July 7, 2024
The announcement comes on Doctor Who Day, which marks the broadcast of the first episode 61 years ago on 23 November 1963.
To celebrate, fans were treated to a host of Doctor Who content including messages from Ncuti Gatwa, the latest actor to play the Doctor, and Bridgerton and Derry Girls actress Nicola Coughlan, who will appear in this year's Christmas special.
Source: Press Association
