Doctor Who is TV's longest-running science fiction series in history. With a rich history reaching back to 1963, Doctor Who has left an indelible mark on television history. And now, it is getting ready to celebrate its 60th anniversary next year. As they did with the 50th anniversary, the BBC is planning a big event for the show's 60th.

Outgoing Thirteenth Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, recently teased her possible return for the 60th anniversary special even though she will have left the show, presumably, in the special episode prior to the 60th-anniversary episode. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Whittaker discussed the possibility of returning for the 60th-anniversary special.

"I'm very lucky he allowed me to have his number," Whittaker said, referring to the new showrunner, Russel T. Davies. "For all the people to pass the baton to, I mean it's an absolute honor and joy. It's certainly in the safest and most exciting hands, and what a wonderful time for the show. Once you're in Doctor Who you never want to leave. I suppose it gave me a bit of hope — like, 'Oh, when you do leave, it doesn't necessarily mean you leave forever.'"

Previous Doctors Often Return for Special Episodes

There have been several episodes where one or more previous Doctors have appeared for special episodes. The very nature of Doctor Who and its time-traveling adventures lends itself to the possibility of the Doctor meeting past incarnations along the way.

Famously, for the 50th anniversary special, footage from all previous Doctors was used. In addition, the Tenth Doctor, David Tennant, joined Matt Smith, who was the current star of the show as the Eleventh Doctor. They were joined by a new incarnation of the Doctor played by the legendary John Hurt, known as the War Doctor. Hurt's character was created to take the spot of Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor when Eccleston opted not to return for the special event. Peter Capaldi, who had been cast, but not yet introduced in the show, as the Twelfth Doctor made an appearance during the episode in the infamous "attack eyebrows" sequence.

There was even an appearance by legendary Doctor Who actor Tom Baker, who played the Fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1984. Baker played the character of the Curator. It was meant to be ambiguous whether or not the Curator was a future regeneration of the Doctor. The writer of the episode left it to the imagination of the watcher, but it was a treat to see him interact with the newer Doctors.

It will be interesting to see which actors that have played the Doctor come back for the 60th-anniversary episode. Obviously, it sounds like Whittaker is willing to return. Tennant and Smith are both likely candidates to make an appearance. Eccleston may or may not be willing to return as he has had issues with Russell T. Davies, who was the showrunner for Eccleston's one season in the TARDIS.

The 60th anniversary special will air in 2023 on BBC and BBC America.