When it comes to reviving fan-favorite characters, few shows do it as effectively as the renowned British sci-fi series, Doctor Who. After a somewhat uninspired period under the leadership of showrunner Chris Chibnall, the beloved Russell T. Davies made a triumphant return to steer the next chapter of the iconic Time Lord’s adventures, now played by Ncuti Gatwa. Interestingly, before diving into this new era, Davies decided to bring back two cherished characters, David Tennant and Catherine Tate. However, the ensuing seasons quickly revealed that this nostalgic approach might not satisfy everyone, as fans expressed their growing dissatisfaction with what seemed like a fixation on the past rather than a focus on innovative storytelling for the future.

Recently, former companion Matt Lucas hinted at his discussions with Davies regarding a potential comeback as Nardole. This sparked conversations about the return of another past companion. Comedian and actor John Bishop, who played the character Dan from the ‘Flux’ season of Doctor Who, shared his thoughts on a podcast about the possibility of reprising his role. He remarked, “[I have] I don’t have any current plans to reappear in Doctor Who, but that’s not my final line on it.” He elaborated, “The nature of companions leaving is that they always have the opportunity to come back, especially after the Doctor has undergone their latest adventures, which opens up exciting possibilities.”

What Lies Ahead for ‘Doctor Who’? The Future Remains Uncertain

In the wake of the controversial 2025 season, which featured a shocking regeneration where Ncuti Gatwa‘s Doctor transformed into another iconic character played by Billie Piper, speculation about the series’ future has intensified. With the era of Disney collaboration seemingly fading, the direction of Doctor Who is in flux. In his podcast, Bishop noted, “Currently, the Doctor has just undergone yet another regeneration, which means we will soon see a new Doctor and a fresh series.” He went on to discuss how his character, Dan, might find a way back into the storyline if the show receives the green light for further episodes. “Who knows? There’s always a chance that they might return to Dan’s home, and he could reappear,” Bishop said, expressing optimism. “The beauty of this show is that characters can make unexpected comebacks years later, and I would be thrilled if that opportunity arose again. But if it doesn’t happen, I cherish the moments I experienced on the show.”

Fans can currently catch the latest season of Doctor Who streaming on Disney+. For all the most recent updates and news, be sure to follow Collider.