I suppose you can’t get anymore official than that. After months, nay, YEARS, of speculation, rumor-mongering and overhearing things at parties, the BBC today has finally confirmed the existence of missing – now FOUND – episodes of Doctor Who. How many? “A number.”
In a report by the Beeb’s chief Doctor Who correspondent Lizo Mzimba, it was announced that later this week, the network would be revealing what and how many of these episodes were recovered. 106 episodes from the 1960s were missing from the archives, affecting a lot of William Hartnell’s third season and the majority of Patrick Troughton’s three year stint. Troughton filmed 119 episodes, and only 57 of those were in the archive as of our most recent count. However, this announcement will very likely raise his number significantly.
On Monday, we reported that it seemed like there would be some kind of announcement as to the recovery of episodes sometime this week. It was at that time believed that two complete Troughton stories, “The Enemy of the World” and “The Web of Fear,” would be released to the public digitally in the very near future. It might be those that the BBC announces, it might be two completely different stories, it might be a whole lot more. We will just have to wait to find out. Stay tuned to this channel.
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Lizo Mzimba chief “what”? As a licence fee payer I wish to have that job discription looked at. But seriously, wouldn’t it be brilliant if we had 99% of the Hartnell/Troughton catalogue returned. *Man squee*!!! Pt4 Tenth Planet just cause and Power Of the Daleks to demonstrate the “off the starting blocks” brilliance of Mr Troughton. Please!!!!?
Well, in less than 24 hours we’ll know a hell of a lot more than we do now. Here’s hoping I can sleep.
Also, did anyone else hear that Anneke Wills ( https://twitter.com/AnnekeWills ) tweet that she was in Central London for a “secret screening”. Looks like we may have a little Ben and Polly surprise soon as well!
I wonder if that little Whovian Lindalee Rose will review some of those old episodes when they come out?
I’ll be at the DVD shop on day 1.
Dunno how many episodes are returned, but it’s GREAT that Docs 1 and 2 now have more material recovered!!
I assume we can trust you to tell us the exact moment these reconstructed stories are available to buy….
Doctor Who?
Excellent work reporting the facts and steering clear of rumor-mongering! I appreciate having a source of info that deals in reality and not speculation.
Can’t wait for more info! Hooray!
My inner teenager — who first heard about all those missing episodes back in the 1980’s — is doing a little dance of joy in gleeful anticipation.
Wow, official confirmation? This is amazing.