By David Wharton | 8 years ago

Current Doctor Who lead Matt Smith got one hell of an introduction in the 2010 episode “The Eleventh Hour,” culminating in a rooftop confrontation with a giant floating alien eyeball and one of the coolest callbacks to the show’s long history ever seen. Now it seems that the modern incarnation of Who is set to honor its forbearers in a big way: former Fourth Doctor Tom Baker will be putting in an appearance in Doctor Who for the show’s epic 50th anniversary celebration next year.

The news comes from the Daily Express, who quotes an unnamed Who insider as saying, “It will be fitting to have Tom back to mark the 50 years. He was a big part of the show’s success and is much-loved by the fans.” Naturally, sources both official and unofficial are keeping mum about the nature of Baker’s appearance. Will he be playing the Fourth Doctor? If so, how will they explain the fact that he’s, well, three decades older? He could just be playing an entirely different character, but I’m sure the fans would love to see him return in the role that made him famous, and which some fans still consider the quintessential Doctor. Of course, this is Doctor Who, so I’m sure they can come up with some sort of technobabblish explanation for his current appearance if they so wish.

Baker played the role of the Fourth Doctor from 1974 – 1981, strutting around the cosmos with the trademark scarf, mound of curls, and silly hat that became the image of The Doctor for many (including myself) until the show relaunched in 2005. Stay tuned to GFR for more news about Doctor Who‘s upcoming 50th anniversary as we hear it.

And just for good measure, here’s Matt Smith’s unforgettable introduction to the world as the Eleventh Doctor.