Photographer, James Pardon, has revealed this superb photo teasing the next episode of Doctor Who, now finally named as The Power of the Doctor. And the image might hint towards that titular power, i.e. in bringing back Tegan Jovanka and Ace, respectively played by Janet Fielding and Sophie Aldred, Chris Chibnall could be showing once more that the true power of the Time Lord lies in her friends.

Indeed, this is the first time those companions have returned to the show since their respective eras, Tegan accompanying the Fourth and Fifth Doctor, and Ace the Seventh. At least in the official TV canon.

Their returns were announced in April 2022, in a trailer after Legend of the Sea Devils.

Fielding said:

“In some ways it was a very different experience to what it was like when I finished recording in 1983, but in many ways it was very similar. It was so lovely to be a working member of the Doctor Who family again.”

And Aldred added:

“It’s been quite a challenge to have such a big secret to keep, even from my family, and I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to have been asked back. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I adored being part of the TARDIS team again.”

More returning characters have been teased; some friend and some foe, including Sacha Dhawan as the Master, Jacob Anderson as Vinder, and Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart.

The Power of the Doctor will be Jodie Whittaker’s last story as the Thirteenth Doctor; showrunner, Chris Chibnall, will also bow out, being replaced by Russell T Davies. It’s expected to be around 90 minutes long, and will air in October 2022, to tie into the BBC’s Centenary celebrations.