Bolton actor Ruth Madeley will be back on TV tonight as part of celebrations to mark the ‘Whoniverse’s 60th anniversary.

Doctor Who's BBC centenary special delivered quite the twist as Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor regenerated into none other than David Tennant, who returns to screens as the fourteenth Doctor alongside Catherine Tate as Donna Noble for Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary specials, with the first airing tonight.

The three specials will air this month before Ncuti Gatwa takes control of the TARDIS over the festive season.

The Bolton News: Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials,25-11-2023,The Star Beast,1,Picture Shows: Shirley (Ruth Madeley) and The Doctor (David Tennant),BBC Studios 2023,Alistair Heap

And appearing alongside them will be Bolton's acclaimed actor, Ruth, who will be appearing as Shirley Anne Bingham.

She said it was 'such a dream to receive the call' to star in the special series.

 

"What a call to receive," Ruth told BBC Breakfast, she described her character is "northern, she's really fun, she's feisty, and takes no messing around. I have been typecast which is fun, I think Russell saw her in me!"

The Bolton News: Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials,25-11-2023,The Star Beast,1,Picture Shows: Shirley (Ruth Madeley), The Doctor (David Tennant) and Donna Noble (Catherine Tate),BBC Studios 2023,Alistair Heap

Her family will be having a 'get together' to watch the programme.

"I think the show is nostalgic, it's got heart and brings families together to watch it, and that is one of the best things about" said Ruth.

Tonight will see the first of three Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials, taking viewers on an otherworldly adventure in space and time each Saturday.

The first will be The Star Beast sees the Doctor and Donna come face to face after all these years, but just how, and why, is about to be revealed.

Watch The Star Beast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6.30pm on Saturday 25 November.

The second episode 'Wild Blue Yonder' will be on BBC on December 2 and the third episode 'The Giggle' will be on TV a week later on December 9 - both will also air at 6.30pm.