Doctor Who has a long tradition of bringing back familiar faces, from David Tennant's surprise return as the Fourteenth Doctor to the recent multi-Doctor team-up in the Season 15 finale. Now, one of the franchise's most beloved legends has hinted he might be ready to step back into the TARDIS.
Tom Baker, who played the Fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981, recently told Radio Times that he would be open to returning. 'Of course, I went back to Doctor Who for the 50th anniversary and I’m often asked if I’ll go back again. Well, I’m really quite shameless, especially if I haven’t worked for a few weeks, so… I’m still fond of it,' he said.
Baker's last appearance was in the 50th anniversary special, 'The Day of the Doctor,' where he played a mysterious character known as the Curator. That role hinted at a future incarnation of the Doctor who chose to resemble the Fourth Doctor, a clever nod to Baker's enduring popularity.
His original run as the Doctor began in the Season 11 finale, 'Planet of the Spiders,' when Jon Pertwee's Third Doctor regenerated after radiation poisoning. Baker's portrayal, with his iconic scarf and love of jelly babies, became one of the most iconic in the show's history. He bowed out in 'Logopolis,' after a fatal fall from a radio telescope while battling the Master.
With the BBC currently searching for a new production team for the series, fans are speculating about what the future holds. The network closed its initial call for proposals in October 2026, with shortlisted candidates to be interviewed in January 2027. A new production contract is expected to be awarded in March 2027, meaning Season 16 could air as early as 2028 or 2029.
While waiting for the show's return, fans can enjoy Baker's audio adventures with Big Finish Productions, and a preschool spin-off is also in the works for 2027-2028. Doctor Who is currently streaming on Disney+, and with Baker's comments, the possibility of another multi-Doctor special feels more alive than ever.
For more on the future of the franchise, check out our look at scrapped spin-off plans. And if you're curious about other returns, see Marvel's Wonder Man hints.
