Two classic companions return for the next episode of Doctor Who, the last to star Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. That’s not all: the Master, Daleks, Cybermen, Vinder, and UNIT’s Kate Stewart are all also back for the Centenary special.

Yes, Janet Fielding and Sophie Aldred, aka Tegan Jovanka and Ace respectively, are back, reprising their roles on screen for the first time since leaving the show.

Sacha Dhawan is also back as the Master; he last appeared in the Series 12 finale, The Timeless Children.

This is the first time since the show returned to BBC1 in 2005 that the Master, the Daleks, and the Cybermen will all feature in one single story.

Showrunner Chris Chibnall says:

“Jodie’s final feature-length story contains a plethora of treats and surprises for audiences and fans, not least the return of two of the most beloved companions in the show’s history. They’ll be helping the Doctor fight on three fronts, against her deadliest enemies: the Master, Daleks and Cybermen,  in one huge story!  

“For the BBC’s Centenary, we’ll be celebrating the past, present, and future of Doctor Who, in a fittingly thrilling, epic, and emotional send-off for the Thirteenth Doctor.”

Janet Fielding says:

“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.”

Sophie Aldred says:

“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.”

Also returning to the show are Vinder (Jacob Anderson) and Kate Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) .

Written by Chris Chibnall and directed by Jamie Magnus Stone, the feature-length special will air later this year as part of the BBC’s Centenary celebrations, with further details to be confirmed in due course.