The announcement that McGann was canceling his early 2026 appearance at the popular Gallifrey One fan convention due to “acting work in the new year” was enough to get the engines of speculation turning, as that’s when the new installment was rumored to be filming. (Another blind guess, but we’ll go with it.) But it was the appearance of a supposedly leaked image – purported to show McGann and Piper filming together on a TARDIS set, with the latter dressed in Gatwa’s former costume— that sent the fandom into overdrive. Yes, the timing seemed odd. Sure, Davies said he hadn’t even finished writing the special yet. But… could it be?
Unfortunately, no. Sorry to crush the dreams of Whovians everywhere, but McGann himself has confirmed that the image is nothing but very believable AI. During an appearance on the Gerry Anderson Podcast, the actor confirmed he’s not returning to the show, nor taking part in the festive special.
“Just recently, I mean in the last week or so, there’s me and Billie Piper working together. If only,” McGann said. “And so people are like, ‘Oh, come on, it has to be true,’ and the rumor mill kicks in.”
McGann was then asked if he signed an NDA and therefore can’t confirm or deny his involvement, and McGann laughingly responded, “You’re making this thing worse. You’re part of the problem.”
In truth, it sounds like the former Doctor is just as in the dark about the show’s future as the rest of us.
“Quite honestly, I know nothing,” McGann added. “And if I had to say zip, if I was sworn to secrecy, I would just tell you I was sworn to secrecy. It’s happened before.”
