David Tennant played two different Doctors in Doctor Who, but he wasn’t the only one to do so. The first time Tennant was in the series was as the Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2010. However, Tennant returned briefly in 2023 to play the Fourteenth Doctor for the 60th anniversary specials. During Tennant’s lengthy original tenure, he was incredibly popular with critics and fans, and many lauded his fun and vibrant portrayal.
While, according to writer and producer Russell T Davies, there are no plans in the foreseeable future for Tennant to returnto Doctor Who, the actor remains a large part of why the series continues its popularity. Tennant helped make Doctor Who what it is, as evidenced by the show asking him back to play such a monumental role. However, while some may think Tennant was the first actor to play two different Doctors, that isn’t the case.
Sylvester McCoy Briefly Played The Sixth Doctor
He Stepped In For Colin Baker In The Regeneration Scene
Sylvester McCoy played the Seventh Doctor on Doctor Who from 1987 to 1989. McCoy, known for bringing a more mysterious and darker element to the role, succeeded the Sixth Doctor, played by Colin Baker. However, McCoy also briefly played the Sixth Doctor to film the regeneration scene, which took place in the Time and the Rani serial that kicked off season 24 of the show’s original run.
In the scene, McCoy dressed up in a costume and wig to resemble Baker’s portrayal. He was filmed face down, with effects used to obscure his face. This approach was widely criticized by longtime viewers, who felt the regeneration was rushed and that the story did a disservice to Baker’s Sixth Doctor. However, there’s a reason Baker wasn’t present for the regeneration.
Why Colin Baker Didn’t Film The Sixth Doctor’s Regeneration Scene
Colin Baker & The BBC Couldn’t Agree On A Deal
During Colin Baker’s time as the Sixth Doctor, the BBC tried to cancel Doctor Who and only agreed to bring the show back under the condition Baker be fired. The network wanted Baker to come back for a single four-part story and regeneration scene, but Baker declined the offer. He instead reached out about returning for one final full season, which would also end with his character’s regeneration. Once it became clear the BBC and Baker couldn’t settle on a deal for his return, McCoy stepped in.
In a 2019 interview (via RadioTimes), Baker apologized to fans for not returning for the regeneration scene. While the goal with the scene was undoubtedly to keep with the show’s spirit, the backlash suggests Doctor Who would have been better off skipping it all together.Still, with the same actor playing two separate Doctors, McCoy’s regeneration scene changed Doctor Who in a major way, setting the stage for Tennant to do the same, albeit under very different circumstances, decades later.