Perhaps the BBC is gently nudging us towards the identity of the next Doctor with a special re-release of of the best Doctor Who sketch in Comic Relief history?

In celebration of Red Nose Day and to mark showrunner Steven Moffat's impending departure this Christmas, the Beeb has shared Moffat's very first Doctor Who story from all the way back in 1999.

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In this wibbly wobbly timey wimey adventure, The Doctor goes through various faces – Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent, Richard E. Grant and even Joanna Lumley – as he and companion Emma (Julia Sawalha) aim to avoid The Curse of Fatal Death!

With the scheming Master is up to his old tricks (and some kinky new ones, as you'll see) and the Daleks are on the Doctor's tail, his very life (or at least his funny bone) hangs in the balance.

If you've never seen this golden oldie before, rest assured that it's not actually in continuity with the classic or current Doctor Who series – although it did foreshadow the future.

Moffat was teasing the idea of a female Doctor years ahead of the fan campaign catching fire. Then there's a preview of Richard E. Grant as the Time Lord long before he became a part of the franchise.

BBC

Related: Hugh Grant's dancing is the star of Red Nose Day Actually

Grant would eventually hold a very special place in Doctor Who lore, having voiced a non-continuity Doctor in the animated serial Scream of the Shalka and played the time-meddling Great Intelligence in the revived series.

In terms of current Doctor Who, the show is gearing up for showrunner Steven Moffat and star Peter Capaldi's final series beginning with 'The Pilot' on Saturday, April 15 on BBC One in the UK and BBC America stateside.

The Doctor, his old friend Nardole (Matt Lucas) and new companion Bill (Pearl Mackie) will have to outrun the Daleks, the Ice Warriors , classic Mondasian Cybermen and even Missy if they hope to make it to the Christmas special.

To donate to Comic Relief, visit bbc.co.uk/rednoseday, or phone 03457 910910. To donate £10 via text, text 'YES' to 70210, or to donate £20 text 'YES' to 70220.

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