DOCTOR WHO fans are already having to deal with the idea of drastic change with PETER CAPALDI going out of the door later this year.
But a familiar face will help them through the tricky transition period.
I can reveal that JOHN SIMM is returning to the BBC show, in his former role as The Doctor’s nemesis The Master.
The BAFTA-nominated actor portrayed the evil Time Lord in 2007 in the final three episodes, Utopia, The Sound of Drums and Last of the Time Lords, when he battled Tenth Doctor DAVID TENNANT in his attempt to rule Earth.
John then returned for Tennant’s farewell in 2009 – with show fans thinking they had seen the last of him.
But he will now face another Doctor in his final series as well as Peter’s companion Bill, played by PEARL MACKIE, who will also leave the show after just one series.
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A source said: “This is huge for Whovians and is seen as a big coup by show boss STEVEN MOFFAT.
“John was hugely popular as The Master and they’ll be delighted he’s coming back.
“It’s a closely guarded secret and was meant to be a huge surprise for fans.”
And as part of his return, which it is thought will be teased in a trailer when the show returns on April 15, John will not be the only Master on screen.
He will appear in the episode with MICHELLE GOMEZ, who took over the famous role as Missy, the first woman to portray the character The Master.
While fans of the show may be over the moon at the return of John, the actor himself will perhaps be less than impressed.
Speaking about his role in 2013, he said he wouldn’t miss it because of all the attention it brings.
He told the Radio Times: “I’ll be so happy when that’s gone from my life.
“It’s great to be into something, but for goodness’ sake, really? I’m not the Master, I’m not that evil Time Lord who rules the galaxy, I’m just in Tesco with my kids. Leave me alone!”
Better find somewhere new to do the big shop.
THE ONLY WAY IS OUT
LAUREN POPE has lashed out at Towie bosses for her constant “anxiety and stress”.
The reality star, who quit the ITVBe series in 2015, blamed show execs for forgetting they were dealing with her life, not just a programme.
She said: “I do not miss the constant feeling of anxiety and stress when you have got a big storyline. It’s a catch-22 as you have got air time, which means more exposure, which is great for your business.
“But it also means you are going into filming feeling you are on edge all the time. You think, ‘Oh my God, what is happening next?’ To the producers it’s a storyline, but it is your life.”
I imagine they told you that when you signed up.
Candice’s hot buns
BAKE OFF winner CANDICE BROWN is now giving MARY BERRY, the notorious lover of double cream-laden spag bol, a run for her money with her wacky creations.
The champ has overhauled the traditional Easter hot cross bun by creating recipes inspired by children’s telly.
They include a Scooby-Doo bun, which is decorated with bone-shaped biscuits.
Her Tot Cross Buns which she shares on online streaming service Now TV, also includes pepperoni pizza-flavoured treats, a tribute to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ favourite takeaway.
Candice, who I revealed earlier this year is planning to marry long-term boyfriend Liam Macauley, has also invented a Powerpuff Girls-inspired mix with popping candy in it.
And then there’s a Sponge-Bob one, called – really – Bun-der The Sea . . .
Buy Candice Brown’s Tot Cross Buns in-store at Primrose Bakery for one day only on 12th April. The buns cost £2.99 for four and come with a one month NOW TV Kids Pass. Primrose Bakery Covent Garden, 42 Tavistock Street, London WC2E 7PB
SOAPBOX
AARON DINGLE is finally released from prison during tonight’s EMMERDALE – but it may not be the happy affair that fans were hoping for.
As his husband Robert Sugden’s cheating secret continues to loom over him, Aaron’s family plans a surprise party for his return.
Robert is left reeling about his situation with Rebecca and things take a turn for the worse when she turns up at the bash.
On NEIGHBOURS, anyone would be horrified to discover Ramsay Street baddie Paul Robinson is their dad – so it’s no surprise Leo Tanaka lashes out after his family secret is exposed.
Leo cuts ties with his mum and refuses to forgive her for keeping his father a secret for so long.
Slump in naked ambition
WALKING into the office the morning after baring your bits on national telly is proving a huge turn-off.
Channel 4 dating show Naked Attraction, hosted by ANNA RICHARDSON, cannot attract enough women willing to strip for the second series.
So it is offering to pay striptease artists to take part.
A source said: “There have been plenty of men willing to get their kit off on camera, but not enough women. “So they’ve asked people who get naked regularly – including burlesque performers – and are happy to pay them expenses for their time.”
Last July’s first hour-long episode of the show featured an average of five images of male genitalia and two of female genitalia every minute.
Expect lots of nipple tassels.