‘Doctor Who’ season 7: David Tennant, Billie Piper sign on to 50th anniversary special

In looks as though the upcoming “Doctor Who” 50th anniversary special later this year just became that much more exciting. After all, one of the most-popular men to ever play the Doctor has now signed on, along with a woman who was also a very popular companion.

Sources have confirmed that David Tennant, who took on the role for nearly five years between 2005 and 2010, has signed back up to appear in the special, which is going to start production during this upcoming week. In addition to that, he is going to be joined by Billie Piper, who was one of his most notable companions during that time. (Piper later went on to star in “Secret Diary of a Call Girl.”)

Steven Moffat himself is writing this special, which is looking more and more as though it will be one of the most magical reunions of sorts in television history. There is so much “Doctor Who” history to pull from here, and the fans of this show will likely appreciate all of the small details that are pulled back into this series. This is probably going to feel extremely special for both current Doctor Matt Smith and new companion Jenna-Louise Coleman, who are in many ways just beginning their journey together with the start of season 7, part 2 happening later in the day on Saturday.

“Doctor Who” is one of BBC’s most-successful franchises not just in Britain, but also internationally. It also is one of the few British shows that we’re lucky enough to see in North America mere hours after it airs across the pond. (Take that, “Downton Abbey”!)

What do you think about this news? If you want to hear Jenna-Louise Coleman preview some upcoming “Doctor Who” episodes, you can do so just by heading on over to the link here.

Photo: BBC