David Tennant: Bernard Cribbins was 'full of beans' making final Doctor Who appearance

David Tennant has discussed working with Bernard Cribbins on the upcoming Doctor Who 60th anniversary in what turned out to be The Railway Children star's last role.

For the specials, Cribbins is returning to his role of Wilfred which he originated in 2007 and completed most of his filming before his death in July last year.

Speaking at Galaxycon, Tennant opened up about working with Cribbins in his final role.

Read more: Everything we know about the Doctor Who anniversary special

He said to the audience: "Can we get Wilfred back? Can grandad be back on set? He was getting old and a little bit infirm but he was still full of beans and full of energy."

Tennant added: "And I am thrilled to say that – although very sadly he wasn't in those episodes as much as we hoped – he was on set with us and Wilfred lives on.

"Bernard is much missed and much grieved for, but I am so excited that his final screen performance will be [one] I had the great honour of being part of and you'll see it all on your screens."

Cribbins originally starred in Doctor Who from 2007 to 2010 as Donna Noble's grandfather with him later taking on a more prominent role in the show for Tennant's final storyline as the Tenth Doctor.

Read more: Russell T Davies slams Bernard Cribbins snub as Bafta backtracks

After Tennant and Catherine Tate (who plays Donna) were confirmed to return for the 60th anniversary specials, a number of other stars were subsequently announced to be reappearing on the show.

As well as Cribbins, Jacqueline Noble and Karl Collins were confirmed to reprise their roles as Sylvia Noble and Shaun Temple. All three made their last Doctor Who appearance in 2010's The End of Time.

The 60th anniversary specials will also see Neil Patrick Harris join the cast as a villain.

Watch below: Bernard Cribbins: Doctor Who star dies aged 93