Bernard Cribbins, a legend of British film and television who has had a long association with the iconic show Doctor Who, has breathed his last. The veteran actor, who was 93 at the time of his death, was seen filming for the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who along with David Tennant, in May.

Cribbins had first started his association with Doctor Who not in the series, but in the 1966 film based on the same, Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D., as Tom Campbell, a companion of Doctor Who. It was in the year 2007 that Cribbins made his debut in the original series. Here, he played the role of Wilfred Mott, the grandfather of Doctor Who’s companion, Donna Noble. 

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In May, when Cribbins was pictured with David Tennant, the veteran performer was seen being pushed around in a wheelchair by the Jessica Jones star. However, it is not clear whether Cribbins had completed shooting for his part in the 60th-anniversary episode.

The episode will see actor Neil Patrick Harris as an antagonist. Showrunner Russell T Davies had shared a post on Instagram where he welcomed the How I Met Your Mother star to show, stating, “Neil Patrick Harris, welcome to Cardiff! Playing the greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced. Such a great actor, such a great man, it’s an honour and a hoot. Have fun!”

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Neither Davies nor BBC have yet confirmed the exact release date of the anniversary special. November 23, 2023 will mark the 60th anniversary of the iconic show. It came as a welcome surprise to fans when it was first announced that Tennant, who was the Tenth Doctor, was returning to the role along with Catherine Tate, and that the two of them will be reprising their roles.

In May 2022, it was revealed that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa has been cast as the 14th Doctor. He will take up the mantle from Jodie Whittaker.