Tom Baker Returns in Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary Special?
Baker set to reprise his role as the Fourth Doctor for the show's 50th anniversary celebrations next year?
The Daily Express reports that Tom Baker is set to reprise his role as the Fourth, and probably most beloved, Doctor in the upcoming 50th anniversary episode of the series next year. Baker left the role in 1981, and has been notoriously reluctant to have anything to do with the show since. The 20th anniversary special, The Five Doctors, was notable mostly for his absence and while he appeared briefly in the 30th anniversary special, Dimensions in Time, he acted only as a narrator. How likely is this rumour to be true? Well, as I said, 78-year-old Baker has been reluctant to return to the role, but thats changed recently. A few years back he did a small series of audio books for the BBC where he played the Fourth Doctor and recently he has begun appearing in a whole new series of audio adventures for Big Finish. So whatever problems hes had with the role in the past seem to have vanished. Its also worth noting that both the 10th anniversary and the 20th had multi-Doctor stories, so its almost unthinkable that there wont be one for the 50th (especially given the somewhat meh reception that the 25th anniversary story, Silver Nemesis, received). Baker, due to his age and his legendary status among fans, would certainly be a major get for the series. This does, however, beg the question of whether or not having him appear would be a good idea. The man is in his seventies, and doesnt really look anything like he did back in the day. But Im fine with that. Peter Davison didnt look quite like he used to when he returned as the Fifth Doctor in the charity short Time Crash, but it still worked. With the right script, I think having Baker return to the character could work out very well. Now to wait for the rumours I really want, ie: that Paul McGann and Christopher Eccelston will be returning as the 8th and 9th Doctors! Heres to hoping!