20 Cancelled Doctor Who Episodes You Need To Know About
19. The Nightmare Fair
The classic Who season that changed the most from conception to broadcast was Season 23 – which, before becoming the serialised Trial of a Time Lord, comprised six standalone stories.
The original opening story The Nightmare Fair would've brought back the Toymaker, twenty years on from his first appearance.
Though played by original actor Michael Gough, the character would've been updated for modern audiences, operating in a world of arcade machines rather than playing cards and toy soldiers.
Accordingly, his rematch with the Doctor would've taken place among the glitz and glamour of Blackpool. Yes, Blackpool. For those unaware, that's a seaside town on the west coast of England.
The scripts were written and filming dates booked. The story was even set to be teased in Season 22 finale Revelation of the Daleks, which, as filmed, ended with the Doctor telling Peri "I'll take you to Blackpool." When the plan changed the word Blackpool was removed, creating a very different kind of cliffhanger. Namely, a very jarring and weird one.
Like most other unmade Season 23 stories, The Nightmare Fair has subsequently been adapted for prose and audio, and the Toymaker would of course eventually return to television in The Giggle. Insert ominous laugh here.