Editor’s Note: This article contains spoilers for Doctor Who’s second 60th Anniversary Special, “Wild Blue Yonder.”
Fans ofDoctor Whowere treated to an appearance from the lateBernard Cribbinson this week’s special “Wild Blue Yonder”. Unfortunately, showrunnerRussell T. Davieshas confirmed that the episode represents Cribbins' final bow in the series. On Instagram, Davies posted a behind-the-scenes photo of Cribbins withDavid TennantandCatherine Tateon the set of “Wild Blue Yonder,” which features a cameo from Cribbins' characterWilfred Mott.
Says Davies, “We’d never lost touch, in all these years, so I phoned him up and asked him to come back. He sniffed and said, ‘Let me see the script.’ 😂 We had a wonderful readthrough with 120 people at which he was adored by one and all. A lovely dinner in Cardiff where he regaled us with tales galore, twinkling as ever. Then the shoot in Camden — you’re able to see inUnleashedand read in next week’s [Doctor Who Magazine] how much he enjoyed that.” Davies also notes that more material was written for Cribbins, but his health did not allow them to shoot it,making this the final appearance of the fan-favorite actor.
Who Was Bernard Cribbins?
Born in 1928, Bernard Cribbins became well-known in the UK in the 1960s for recording a number of popular novelty records, and for his appearances in comedy films, including theCarry Onseries. Cribbins worked steadily over the years, appearing in the 1967 comedy adaptation ofCasino Royale,Alfred Hitchcock’s 1972 thrillerFrenzy, and a memorable episode ofFawlty Towers. Foreshadowing his later role, Cribbins also starred in the 1966 filmDaleks Invasion Earth 2150 A.D., one of two out-of-continuityDoctor Whomovies starringPeter Cushingas the Doctor.
Cribbins was introduced to a new generation of viewers whenhe appeared on the revivedDoctor Whoseries as Wilfred Mott, the grandfather ofthe Doctor’s companion Donna Noble (Tate). Mott became one of the Doctor’s companions himself in Tennant’s then-final appearance as the Doctor, “The End of Time.” Cribbins died in 2022 at 93; “Wild Blue Yonder” was his last on-screen appearance, and was dedicated to his memory.
The new series ofDoctor Whohas been favorably reviewed, with a 92% “Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes.In her review of Wild Blue Yonder", Collider’sSamantha Coleyhad particular praise for Cribbins' cameo, noting “The reunion with Wilf is perfectly delightful, his pure spirit lifting our hearts after everything we’ve watched the Doctor and Donna go through.”
Cribbins’finalDoctor Whoappearance, “Wild Blue Yonder”, canbe watched on Disney+ now. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.
Doctor Who
The show follows the adventures of a Time Lord, “The Doctor,” who is able to regenerate, and the Doctor’s human friends. The Doctor and his companions journey through time and space in the TARDIS – a time-traveling ship shaped like a police box – saving the universe with a combination of wit, bravery, and kindness.
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