‘Doctor Who’ Showrunner Accidentally Explained the Shalka Doctor’s Return to Canon

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The way the Doctor changes faces in Doctor Who used to be fairly simple to understand. However, it’s become more complicated lately. While showrunner Chris Chibnall introduced past versions of the Doctor, Russell T Davies added another layer of complexity with the idea of ‘bi-generation’ in the 2023 episode “The Giggle.” In a commentary for the final episode of the show’s 60th anniversary specials, Davies revealed his unusual take on how the Doctor splitting into two actually works, making the timeline even more puzzling than it used to be.

The idea of the Doctor changing bodies—or ‘regenerating’—was introduced when William Hartnell, the original actor, retired from the role, and the BBC wanted to continue the show. Since then, numerous actors have played the Doctor, leading to many scenes showing the character’s transformations. However, the show has occasionally hinted that there’s more to the Doctor’s regenerations than simply a change in appearance, suggesting that alternate versions of the Doctor could appear at different times.

A great example of this clever storytelling happened when Steven Moffat introduced the War Doctor, played by John Hurt, as a previously unknown incarnation of the Doctor who existed between the Eighth and Ninth Doctors. This was a major element of the 50th anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor,” in 2013, and the writers skillfully addressed any potential plot inconsistencies. Interestingly, another version of the Doctor appeared back in 2003, and many fans might not even know about it. Although this addition initially created a timeline problem after the show was rebooted in 2025, recent comments from the showrunner about a process called ‘bi-generation’ in the episode “The Giggle” may have finally solved this long-standing paradox.

Richard E. Grant Was the Original Ninth Doctor When ‘Scream of the Shalka’ Premiered

Even though Doctor Who wasn’t currently being filmed, the show found a creative way to mark its 40th anniversary in 2003 with an animated miniseries released online. The story was originally planned as part of the official storyline, and featured Richard E. Grant as the voice of a Doctor who was initially considered for the role of the Ninth Doctor in a six-part adventure. However, when Christopher Eccleston was cast as the Ninth Doctor for the show’s 2005 revival, the animated story was effectively removed from official continuity. This meant that Grant’s version of the Doctor, known as the Shalka Doctor, became a non-canon side story – essentially a fun preview of what the show’s full return would be like.

During Ncuti Gatwa’s first season as the Doctor, a surprising cameo occurred in the episode “Rogue.” Richard E. Grant, who previously played a version of the Ninth Doctor, appeared as a holographic image alongside other actors who have played the Doctor. While subtle, the appearance strongly suggests that his version of the Doctor, known as the Shalka Doctor, is still considered part of the show’s official history. If that’s true, it means there are now two actors who have officially played the Ninth Doctor: Richard E. Grant and Christopher Eccleston.

Christopher Eccleston was originally thought to be the Doctor right before Paul McGann, but his place in the Doctor’s history has changed twice. With the introduction of the War Doctor, Eccleston became the Tenth Doctor, and recent developments even push him to the Eleventh. However, the numbering of the Doctors hasn’t always been consistent, and it’s likely there have been other Doctors we don’t know about. Therefore, taking away Eccleston’s title as the Ninth Doctor would be confusing, even though the Doctor from Scream of the Shalka arguably deserves that number just as much.

RTD’s Bi-Generation Theory Provides the Best Explanation for Why There Are 2 Ninth Doctors


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During the commentary for the Doctor Who episode “The Giggle,” writer Russell Davies clarified his view that every Doctor actually bi-generated – split into two versions – during their regeneration. This means that even past regenerations are now considered to have created a second, separate Doctor alongside the new one. Both versions would then go on to live their own lives, just like the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Doctors did when they separated at the end of the episode.

If Davies’ idea is right, the Shalka Doctor likely appeared during the Eighth Doctor’s split into two versions, or perhaps during the War Doctor’s time. This would explain why the Shalka Doctor could reasonably be considered the Ninth Doctor. Then, when the War Doctor regenerated normally, that’s how Eccleston became the Ninth Doctor. It’s a complicated but fascinating possibility to consider.

RTD’s Bi-Generation Theory Raises More Questions Than Answers


BBC

Bi-generation – the splitting of a Time Lord into two versions of themselves – was a fascinating and unexpected moment in Doctor Who. The fact that even the Doctor didn’t fully understand how it happened highlighted just how rare it should have been. It would have been a truly special event if it had remained a single instance, but when the Rani also bi-generated, it lost some of its impact. Now, it risks feeling like any Time Lord can do it near the end of their life, which diminishes the sense of danger when a Doctor seems to be facing death.

While Russell Davies’ idea about how bi-generation affects a Time Lord’s different incarnations is interesting, making it official story canon would create too many inconsistencies. It could lead to an endless number of unaccounted-for Doctors, and the idea, though appealing in theory, would likely become unmanageable. It’s best to leave the mystery of the Shalka Doctor alone to protect the timeline and maintain the integrity of Doctor Who’s main character.

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2025-11-23 00:42