BBC’s Big Night In: Doctor Who stars join forces to praise NHS staff

Past and present Doctor Who stars took part in BBC’s Big Night In on Thursday to pay tribute to the NHS.

Jodie Whittaker, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, and Jo Martin all appeared during the segment, praising NHS staff for their work during the coronavirus crisis.

Speaking individually from their homes in a video that was then cut together so that the actors would share the same message of support, they began: ‘As you probably know, we have all been at one time or another the Doctor.

BBC’s Big Night In: Doctor Who stars Jodie Whittaker and David Tennant joined forces with former Time Lords to praise NHS staff on Thursday night amid COVID-19 crisis

‘And the Doctor abides by one simple rule, whatever you’re facing never be cruel or cowardly, never give up and never give in, we’re at out best when work together. 

‘Tonight we have all come together, for one important reason, to praise, salute and give heartfelt thanks to real life special doctors, nurses, and everyone working on the frontlines in our NHS in care homes and hospices.

‘What you have done for all of us is amazing, it’s crucial, phenomenal, incredible, inspirational and truly life saving, thank you.’ 

Message of support: David and his fellow Time Lords praised all those on the frontlines for their work during the global pandemic

Back again! Jodie and David were joined by Doctors of the past, including Matt Smith

Back again! Jodie and David were joined by Doctors of the past, including Matt Smith

Doing what they can: Speaking individually from their homes in a video that was then cut together so that the actors would share the same message of support (pictured, Peter Capaldi)

Doing what they can: Speaking individually from their homes in a video that was then cut together so that the actors would share the same message of support (pictured, Peter Capaldi)

Moving: They said in unison: 'The Doctor abides by one simple rule, whatever you're facing never be cruel or cowardly, never give up (pictured: Peter Davidson)

Lovely setting: Tom Baker filmed from his garden

Moving: They said in unison: ‘The Doctor abides by one simple rule, whatever you’re facing never be cruel or cowardly, never give up (pictured: Peter Davidson and Tom Baker)

Thankful: They said, 'We have all come together... to praise, salute and give heartfelt thanks to real life special doctors, nurses, and everyone working on the frontlines' (Pictured, Jo Martin)

Thankful: They said, ‘We have all come together… to praise, salute and give heartfelt thanks to real life special doctors, nurses, and everyone working on the frontlines’ (Pictured, Jo Martin)

This isn’t the first time  Doctor Who stars have come together for a BBC telethon, as David and his father-in-law Peter both appeared in Time Crash in 2007.

The segment saw the fifth and tenth incarnations of the Time Lord met, but the former was convinced that David’s Doctor was just a fan and not his future self until they stopped a black hole from swallowing the universe.

Matt and David have also previously joined forces on Doctor Who, as they delighted fans by appearing in the show’s 50th Anniversary Special in 2013.

Sweet: The group concluded: 'What you have done for us is amazing, it's crucial, phenomenal, incredible, inspirational and truly life saving' (pictured Sylvester McCoy)

Guest appearance: Paul McGann played The Doctor in the show's TV film

Sweet: The group concluded: ‘What you have done for us is amazing, it’s crucial, phenomenal, incredible, inspirational and truly life saving’ (pictured Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann)

Classic era: Colin Baker also took part in the video and spoke from his home

Classic era: Colin Baker also took part in the video and spoke from his home

Exciting: Matt and David have also previously joined forces on Doctor Who, as they delighted fans by appearing in the show's 50th Anniversary Special in 2013 (pictured with John Hurt)

Exciting: Matt and David have also previously joined forces on Doctor Who, as they delighted fans by appearing in the show’s 50th Anniversary Special in 2013 (pictured with John Hurt)

Jodie became the first ever Female Doctor when she took over the role in 2018.

While Classic Era Doctors Tom played the Doctor from 1974 to 1981, Peter took on the role from 1981 to 1984, Colin appeared on it from 1984 to 1986, Sylvester McCoy took part from 1987 to 1989, and Paul McGann played the role in the 1996 movie.

Meanwhile, David played The Doctor from 2005 to 2010, with Matt then taking over the role from 2010 to 2013.

Back together: Who stars past and present joined forces for the video message which aired during BBC's Big Night In

Back together: Who stars past and present joined forces for the video message which aired during BBC’s Big Night In

Vintage: Joining them are the Fourth Doctor Tom played the role from 1974 to 1981

Classic: Peter played the Time Lord from 1981 to 1984

Vintage: Fourth Doctor Tom played the role from 1974 to 1981 (left) and Peter played the Time Lord from 1981 to 1984

Peter portrayed the Doctor from 2014 to 2017, while Jo Martin made history as the show’s first ever black Doctor during its 12th series this year.

Who fans are no stranger to Doctors collaborating, as along with David and Matt appearing together in the 50th Anniversary special, the episode also featured a surprise cameo from Tom, and the War Doctor played by the late John Hurt.

Back in 1983, The Five Doctors saw Peter appear alongside Tom, Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton and Richard Hurndall, who took over the role of the First Doctor following William Hartnell’s death.

Throwback: Colin played the Sixth Doctor from 1984 to 1986

Throwback: Colin played the Sixth Doctor from 1984 to 1986

Iconic: Sylvester McCoy played the Doctor from 1987 to 1989

Legendary: Paul McGann took on the role for a US-produced movie in 1996

Iconic: Sylvester played the Doctor from 1987 to 1989, and Paul McGann took on the role for a US-produced movie in 1996

Time Lord: Peter played The Doctor from 2014 to 2017, in the final iteration of the Time Lord during Steven Moffat's tenure as showrunner

Time Lord: Peter played The Doctor from 2014 to 2017, in the final iteration of the Time Lord during Steven Moffat’s tenure as showrunner

Surprise appearance: Jo made history as Who's first ever Black Doctor after joining the cast for Series 12 this year

Surprise appearance: Jo made history as Who’s first ever Black Doctor after joining the cast for Series 12 this year

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