‘Doctor Who’ 50th Anniversary Special: Running Time and Title Revealed, Plus a Past Doctor Protest?

Now that 'Doctor Who' has selected Peter Capaldi to take over for Matt Smith in late 2013, fan focus shifts back to the impending 50th anniversary special extravaganza, uniting Smith's 11th Doctor with David Tennant's 10th and John Hurt's mysterious incarnation. The BBC has now begun preparing fans for the big reunion by revealing both the episode's title and extended length, while a mysterious protest of past 'Doctor Who' stars might point the way to bigger surprises in store.

First and foremost, the BBC confirms that the November 23 anniversary special will bear the title "The Day of the Doctor," and run at an extended 75 minutes, up from the usual 60. Not only that, but the 23 will also see the airing of a special by Professor Brian Cox on BBC Two about the science behind the show, coupled with 'Sherlock' star Mark Gatiss' 'Doctor Who' origins movie 'An Adventure in Space and Time.'

Perhaps most curiously of all, fans hoping to see more than Tennant return for the 50th anniversary special may get their wish in some form after all, as former 'Doctor Who' stars Peter Davison, Sylvester McCoy and Colin Baker were recently spotted outside the BBC TV Centre waving signs that said, “No Classics? No 50th!” and “Have a heart, Classic Doctors want a part!” The presumably staged event could feature in as a PR stunt, DVD extra or more, though it will remain to be seen if the appearance signals a larger involvement with the special.

Well, what say you? Are you excited to see what the 'Doctor Who' 50th anniversary special holds in store? Tell us what you want to see when the 75-minute special airs November 23!