We only have one episode of this series of Doctor Who left, but it’s going to be a big one. Not only has the Doctor returned home to Gallifrey (the very, very long way round), it seems some old friends…


… and enemies have come along to celebrate.

Wow, what happened to you guys? It looks like the Doctor isn’t the only one to be trapped for a long period of time.

Anyway, we’re pretty used to the Daleks, Cybermen, Weeping Angels and Sisterhood of Karn showing up by this point, but the most recent batch of promo images also hint at the return of a villain we haven’t seen in a long time.

This cheery fellow.

Recognise him? No? How about his accessories?

1. An ultra-fancy headpiece, that’s somehow even gaudier than all of the other Time Lords’.

2. A fancy staff.

3. A fancy sigil.

4. A fancy metal gauntlet on one hand. Here’s a better look.

Want more clues? Well, that staff is called the ‘Staff of Rassilon’, the glove is called ‘Rassilon’s Gauntlet’ and the logo is called the ‘Seal of Rassilon’.

That’s right! It’s either some guy who’s nicked all of Rassilon’s stuff, or it’s Rassilon himself! The ancient Time Lord/war lord was resurrected to lead Gallifrey during the Time War. We last saw him in 2009’s The End of Time, David Tennant’s final two parter, when he was played by Timothy Dalton.

Back then Rassilon schemed to bring Gallifrey back into the wider universe, in the process destroying all of time. He was last seen battling with John Simm’s version of the Master.

Both characters have clearly regenerated since then. (It must have been a bruising fight!) Missy, the Master’s new female form, was the first Time Lord to re-emerge following the events of the 50th anniversary, revealing that Gallifrey wasn’t lost after all.

So, Rassilon’s back and no doubt he’s up to no good. But who’s this grim looking Time Lord, and why are his clothes so tatty?

We’ll have to wait until Saturday to find out!


1093