Doctor Who: 20 Things You Didn't Know About The Day Of The Doctor

20. The Night Of The Doctor Wasn't Released As Intended

Prior to the airing of The Day of the Doctor, a prequel titled The Night of the Doctor was released.

In a wonderful surprise, it featured Paul McGann reprising the role of the Eighth Doctor, and finally gave him the onscreen regeneration he'd previously lacked.

The initial plan was for The Night of the Doctor to be released on 16 November 2013, one week before the main episode premiered. However, when it was discovered that McGann's involvement was about to be leaked, it was made available on 14 November instead.

This meant that it actually dropped on Paul McGann's birthday, which was certainly a happy coincidence!