Doctor Who: Is David Tennant in Bristol filming Doctor Who, who is Neil Patrick Harris and who is new doctor?

Areas throughout the city of Bristol have been cordoned off and turned into film sets ahead of the upcoming Doctor Who special.

The city - which has already hosted the filming of huge television shows such as The Outlaws, The Last Bus and many more - is currently littered with cool set displays, burning cars and screaming actors.

However, a certain someone that will surely drag fans of the sci-fi show into a sense of nostalgia-driven hysteria has been spotted amongst the chaos in Bristol.

Here is everything you need to know.

Is David Tennant currently filming in Bristol for Doctor Who?

One particular sighting that will excite the thousands of Doctor Who fans across the globe is that of David Tennant - a fan-favourite who played the role of the Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2010.

It was heavily rumoured for months that the Scottish actor would reprise his role for the upcoming 60th anniversary special, scheduled to air in 2023 - his last appearance in the show was during the 50th anniversary episode in November 2013.

His involvement was confirmed in May of this year, whilst also announcing the return of comedian Catherine Tate as Donna Noble.

Tennant was spotted in the streets of Bristol on Wednesday, 15 June, caught in the midst of the action as the set-pieces unfolded in areas such as St Stephen’s Avenue and Corn Street.

Other areas of Bristol where filming for the special occurred includes Broad Street and Clare Street.

Why is he returning to the show?

Despite the fact that Tennant’s doctor muttered the emotionally-triggering last words of ‘I don’t want to go’ during his famous last moments in the role, fans must be wondering why the actor has decided to make his way back.

With the first official episode of Doctor Who dating back to 1963, Tennant must have thought it was a good time to make his nine year return as the show prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Who is Neil Patrick Harris and is he involved in the next series?

Another name etched on the star-studded future of Doctor Who is renowned American actor Neil Patrick Harris, 49.

Most famously known for starring in long-running sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ - playing a fan-favourite character in the name of Barney, who is best known for his wit and playboy attitude - the Alburquerque native has been confirmed to star in the upcoming series of the BBC sci-fi television show.

Though the character he will play is yet to be confirmed, the public broadcaster revealed a first-look picture of him on set, and it is understood that Neil Patrick Harris will play a villain.

Showrunner Russel T Davies confirmed this in a statement, where he said that the character will be “the greatest enemy that the Doctor has ever faced”.

“It’s my huge honour to open our studio doors for the mighty Neil Patrick Harris… but who, why, what is he playing? You’ll just have to wait. But I promise you, the stuff we’re shooting now is off the scale. Doctor beware” he added.

Neil Patrick Harris reacted to his involvement in the Doctor Who universe by posting a rather menacing statement on Instagram:

Harris joins a cast involving Yasmin Finney as Rose, Bernard Cribbins as Wilfred Mott, the returning David Tennant and Catherine Tate, as well as a new Fourteenth Doctor.

Who is the new doctor in series 14?

There is a new Doctor taking charge of the Tardis - replacing Jodie Whittaker for the upcoming 60th anniversary special and fourteenth season of Doctor Who - and he is the youngest of them all.

Ncuti Gatwa takes the helm and he is best known for his incredible performances on Netflix’s ‘Sex Education’, which he has gained mass critical acclaim for.

This includes winning the Best Actor Award at the Scottish BAFTAs in 2020, as well as numerous nominations including Best Male Performance in a Comedy Programme in the 2022 ceremony.

With the future at his fingertips at only 29-years-old, the Rwandan-born Scottish actor just can’t wait to take charge of this iconic British role: “There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling,” he said in a statement.

“A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared.

“This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my utmost to do the same.”

Showrunner Russell T Davies adds: “The future is here and it’s Ncuti! Sometimes talent walks through the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just stand back in awe and thank my lucky stars.

“Ncuti dazzled us, seized hold of the Doctor and owned those TARDIS keys in seconds.

“It’s an honour to work with him, and a hoot, I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with the wonderful Jodie’s epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!”