Doctor Who's first-ever movie is on TV this weekend

dr who and the daleks
Doctor Who's first movie is on TV this weekendLMPC - Getty Images

Doctor Who's first-ever movie is set to air on UK TV this weekend.

Dr Who and the Daleks was originally released in 1965, with Star Wars actor Peter Cushing starring as the Doctor alongside Roy Castle, Jennie Linden and Roberta Tovey.

Film4 will be airing the movie tomorrow (June 8) afternoon at 12.45pm, while its 1966 sequel Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 AD will follow on Sunday (June 9) at 12.45pm.

dr who and the daleks, with peter cushing
Courtesy of StudioCanal

Related: Doctor Who reveals returning monster and Susan Twist role in new episode

The movies are two of a very few film adaptations of the sci-fi series, with a TV movie starring Paul McGann as the Doctor released a few decades later in 1996.

The series is currently in the middle of its 14th season, which marks Ncuti Gatwa's debut run as the Doctor.

The next episode, 'Rogue', is due to air this weekend (June 8), and will see the Doctor and companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) travel to Regency-era Bath.

The story will also welcome Mindhunter star Jonathan Groff, who recently admitted he initially struggled to grapple the episode's tone.

ncuti gatwa, jonathan groff, doctor who season 1 rogue
BBC

Related: Doctor Who original cast member William Russell gets co-star tribute after death

"I would say the biggest challenge would be trying to understand and fit into the tone of the show," the actor said. "When you're coming in as a guest star, jumping into a world, and Doctor Who is such a specific thing!

"In the episodes that [showrunner Russell T Davies] showed me, and in the experience of playing a role in it, Doctor Who has such a fascinating tone. It's big, and it's larger than life, but it's also quite real.

"Even though it's fantasy, there is depth to the storytelling and to the relationships. I'd say the biggest challenge was coming in and trying to digest the tone as fast as possible, and to really articulate the character in the proper way in the world of the show."

Doctor Who debuts new episodes at midnight on Saturday, airing on BBC One in the UK and Disney+ elsewhere. Classic episodes of Doctor Who are available on BBC iPlayer in the UK.

Interested in talking about Doctor Who? Visit our dedicated sub-forum

You Might Also Like