Coronation Street loses TV record to Doctor Who after legendary character’s return
DOCTOR Who has broken a new TV record thanks to William Russell's return to the show as Ian Chesterton after 57 years.
Viewers were left delighted last month when the hit BBC One sci-fi series brought back a collection of familiar faces for Jodie Whittaker's final scenes as The Doctor.
And among those returning was legendary actor William, 98, who first made his Doctor Who debut in 1963 as science teacher Ian and companion to the First Doctor, played by William Hartnell.
The Adventures Of Sir Lancelot actor starred in a staggering 77 episodes during the first two seasons from 1963 until 1965 before returning 57 years later for Jodie's final moments as The Doctor.
And as a result of his incredible comeback, William’s return has landed himself a place in The Guinness Book of Records.
The actor has broken the record for the longest gap between TV appearances at 57 years and 120 days.
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Guinness World Records announced the achievement, confirming: “The longest gap between TV appearances is 57 years 120 days, and was achieved by William Russell (UK) as the Doctor Who character Ian Chesterton in The Power of the Doctor episode, which aired on 23rd October 2022.”
However, this now means that Coronation Street has been robbed of the record after the hit ITV soap previously held the title thanks to Philip Lowrie’s return as Dennis Tanner after 43 years in 2011.
It’s been an exciting few weeks for Doctor Who fans with a series of announcements since Russell T Davies returned as showrunner, succeeding Chris Chibnall.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that David Tennant and Catherine Tate will return in 2023.
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David, 51, who played the 10th Doctor, and Catherine, 52, who played Donna Noble, have been filming scenes that will air next year to coincide with the show's 60th anniversary celebrations.
It comes after it was announced that Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa will replace Jodie as the next Doctor.
And just last week, Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson was announced as Doctor Who’s new companion.
The actress, 18, who played Kelly Neelan on the cobbles, will be starring alongside Ncuti as Ruby Sunday.
Announcing the news on Children In Need, Millie, who stepped out of the iconic Tardis, said: “It's insane.
“I'm so honoured that I was considered for an audition. I just hope I can make you all happy and fill the boots of the other companions.”
Coronation Street airs on ITV1 while Doctor Who airs on BBC One.