BBC Plans Live 'Doctor Who' Afterparty Show for Anniversary

Matt Smith and boy band One Direction will appear as guests on the BBC Three show, which will air after the 50th episode of the cult global hit is broadcast on BBC One.

LONDON – The BBC is going the whole hog for its celebrations surrounding 50 years of the hit show Doctor Who, with plans to air a live afterparty show complete with an appearance via satellite from L.A. by One Direction.

The public broadcaster said Friday it will air Doctor Who Live: The Afterparty on BBC Three live from London as soon as the credits roll on BBC One’s The Day of the Doctor, the special 50th anniversary episode airing on Nov. 23.

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Zoe Ball and Rick Edwards will get the afterparty started, with Matt Smith lined up to discuss the Doctor’s latest adventure.

The BBC said previous doctors and their time-traveling companions also will turn up on the live show, which will include interviews, monster moments and fans around the world giving their reaction to the anniversary episode.

One Direction will join the party live from L.A. to wish the Doctor a happy birthday.

BBC Three controller Zai Bennett said: "The 50th anniversary is going to be a huge party for Doctor Who and we’re delighted that BBC Three will be able to give the fans all the backstage access to the stars at the hottest ticket in town."

Commissioned by Pinki Chambers, Doctor Who Live: The Afterparty is exec produced by Mark Cossey and Phil Dolling.

It is produced by Russell Minton and made by BBC in-house entertainment and events.