An episode of Doctor Who written for David Tennant but never filmed could soon be brought to life. Writer Mark Gatiss has confirmed that his shelved script, “The Suicide Exhibition,” is being considered for an audio release, potentially featuring David Tennant’s return to his iconic role.
The Story of the Lost Episode
“The Suicide Exhibition” was originally written for the 2008 series during David Tennant’s time as the Tenth Doctor. The story was ultimately replaced by the episode “The Fires of Pompeii.”
The plot is an Indiana Jones-style adventure set in the British Museum, where the Doctor would have battled Nazis. Gatiss explained that the title comes from a real historical practice during the World Wars, where museums would put less precious items on public display, as they could afford to lose them if a bomb fell.
Mark Gatiss shared that he still has a copy of the script, noting:
“It’s rather good, I think. Big Finish has expressed an interest. It’s all gone very quiet, though. I’m waiting for that emergency phone call!”
He previously mentioned the episode was “on the verge of production for a while” in the late 2000s. The story went through two drafts, with showrunner Russell T. Davies suggesting the setting be moved from the First World War to the Second World War to fully embrace the Nazi antagonist premise.
How the Story Could Be Released
The potential future for “The Suicide Exhibition” lies not in television, but in audio drama. The production company Big Finish, known for its licensed Doctor Who audio adventures, has shown interest in adapting the unmade script.
Big Finish has a long history of bringing former Doctors and their companions back to voice new stories. This makes them the ideal partner to produce “The Suicide Exhibition” with David Tennant, who has previously worked with the company.
David Tennant’s Recent Doctor Who Return
David Tennant recently returned to the world of Doctor Who, not as the Tenth Doctor, but as the Fourteenth Doctor in three 60th-anniversary specials in 2023. This incarnation had a distinct story arc, teaming up with his former companion Donna Noble before a unique “bi-generation” event that saw Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor introduced.
Tennant’s return was widely praised by fans. On social media, one viewer commented, “I always felt right at home with David as the Doctor even when he returned as the 14th. It was good to come home again,” reflecting the warm reception from the audience.
The Future of Doctor Who
The main series of Doctor Who is set to return with a Christmas Special in 2026. This follows the recent conclusion of the BBC’s partnership with Disney. The BBC has confirmed its ongoing commitment to the series.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to the spin-off series “The War Between the Land and the Sea,” focusing on the organization U.N.I.T., which is scheduled to launch in the UK on December 7, 2025.
Also Read:
IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 5: Pennywise Set to Terrorize Derry in Upcoming Episode
Pluribus Star Teases What’s Next in the Gripping Apple TV Series
90 Day Fiancé: Kara and Guillermo’s Tell All Fight Reveals Major Marriage Problems
To My Shore: Your Complete Guide to the New Chinese BL Drama
Dynamite Kiss Episode Schedule: Your Complete Guide to New Episode Releases
Hwang In-youp and Kim Yoo-jung’s On-Screen Chemistry Sparks Fan Demand for New Drama
90 Day Fiancé’s Emily and Kobe Expecting Fourth Child, Nearing Big Family Dream
Lee Child Explains Why the ‘Reacher’ TV Series Succeeds Where Movies Failed
