BBC Confirms Release Date for Rediscovered Classic Doctor Who Episodes
The BBC has set a streaming date for two rediscovered classic Doctor Who episodes. They will appear on iPlayer at 06:00 on 3 April 2026.
Which episodes are returning
The recovered episodes are “The Nightmare Begins” and “Devil’s Planet.” Both belong to the serial The Daleks’ Master Plan. Terry Nation wrote the six-part story.
Key cast and crew
- William Hartnell as the Doctor.
- Peter Purves as Steven Taylor.
- Nicholas Courtney as Bret Vyon.
- Adrienne Hill as Katarina.
- Kevin Stoney as Mavic Chen.
- Douglas Camfield served as director on the serial.
How they were found
The charitable trust Film is Fabulous located the two episodes. They were discovered in a private collection after the owner’s death. The collector will remain anonymous.
This marks the first discovery of missing Doctor Who episodes since 2013. The find follows years of searches in private and institutional collections.
Reaction and significance
Sue Malden, a former BBC archive selector, told Radio Times she was thrilled by the recovery. She emphasised the importance of making found material publicly accessible.
Film is Fabulous aims to show recovered programmes at events. This is the first time such a find will also appear on BBC iPlayer, organisers said.
Cast response
Peter Purves was invited to an early viewing. He praised the episodes’ direction and camerawork and welcomed the chance to see more of fellow performers.
Availability and wider context
The BBC confirms release date and has scheduled the episodes for free viewing on iPlayer. Fans should be able to stream them from 6am on 3 April 2026.
Doctor Who is also due to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas. The rediscovery adds momentum to the show’s archival and restoration efforts.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments and report on any further findings or releases.
