Each episode features an existing duo from Doctor Who, who will reunite on the TARDIS to reflect on their time together. New scenes of the pairs will be woven together with episodes from the classic era of the show, creating a feature-length omnibus episode.

The classic era lasted from 1963 until the show was put on indefinite hiatus in 1989, before the show was famously revived in 2005.

Amongst the returning duos are Peter Davison (All Creatures Great and Small) as the Fifth Doctor and Janet Fielding (Hammer House of Horror) as companion Tegan. Colin Baker (Blakes 7) is returning as the Sixth Doctor with Nicola Bryant (Doctors) as Peri, as is Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit) as the Seventh Doctor with Sophie Aldred (Bob the Builder) as Ace.

The show is part of the ‘Whoniverse’, the new home for Doctor Who content as it exists on iPlayer. Over 800 episodes of pre-existing Doctor Who programming are also coming to the video on demand service on 1 November.

“The word Whoniverse was invented by fans, so it’s time to give it official status,” said Russell T Davies, Doctor Who’s showrunner. “And Tales of the TARDIS is one of the greatest delights of my career – to see old Doctors and companions reunited, still fighting the good fight, is a perfect way to celebrate the Doctor’s 60th birthday!”

Tales of the TARDIS arrives on BBC iPlayer on Wednesday 1 November 2023.