It seems John Simm has had a change of heart about his appearances in ‘Doctor Who’, as despite previously admitting he would be “so happy” when his ties to it were “gone from his life”, he’s returning to the show.
The actor has confirmed he is reprising his role as The Master in the upcoming 10th run of the BBC sci-fi series.
Open Image Modal
John Simm is returning as The Master to 'Doctor Who'
BBC
John first appeared in ‘Doctor Who’ as the evil Time Lord opposite David Tennant’s Doctor in 2007, later making a comeback in 2009 for David’s final episodes.
His character will make a return in the upcoming series, which will serve as current Doctor Peter Capaldi’s last.
He said in a statement: “I can confirm that it’s true, thanks to the power of time travel I’m back. It’s always a pleasure to work with this great team of people and I can’t wait for you all to see what The Master gets up to in the next series.”
Executive producer Steven Moffat added: “Nothing stays secret for long on Doctor Who but you’ll have to wait a little bit longer to see exactly what The Master is up to and how he makes his return to face the Doctor.
“It’s been a huge pleasure to have fan favourites John Simm and Michelle Gomez face to face in the same role! It’s not often you get to see a solo personality clash.”
However, back in 2013, John was less than complimentary about the show in an interview with Radio Times (via the Guardian).
“I’ll be so happy when that’s gone from my life,” he said.
“It’s great to be into something, but for goodness’ sake, really? I’m not the Master, I’m not that evil Time Lord who rules the galaxy, I’m just in Tesco with my kids. Leave me alone!”
Resident villain The Master is currently portrayed by Michelle Gomez, after the character took on the female guise of Missy.
She will also appear in the new series, but it remains unclear how the two versions of the character will work on screen.
Open Image Modal
Michelle Gomez plays a female incarnation of The Master
BBC
Despite The Master currently being played by a woman, it seems fans could be in for a long wait to see the same thing to happen with The Doctor.
‘Doctor Who’ returns to BBC One on Saturday 15 June.
13 Female Stars Who Could Play The Lead In 'Doctor Who'
Helen Mirren(01 of13)
Open Image Modal
Peter Capaldi is proof that an older star can be perfect in the show's lead role, and anything that means we get more Helen in our lives can only be a good thing. (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
Janelle Monae(02 of13)
Open Image Modal
Janelle has only just turned her hand to acting, but as anyone who has seen 'Hidden Figures' can confirm, she's certainly something special.
Might the BBC be aiming a little high if they tried to sign up the Screen Actors' Guild award winner? Yes. Does that mean they shouldn't try? Absolutely not. (credit:Matt Sayles/AP)
Rebecca Root(03 of13)
Open Image Modal
We're still disappointed that Rebecca's show 'Boy Meets Girl' won't be returning, but landing this role would make up for it. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Vicky McClure(04 of13)
Open Image Modal
Vicky has proved she's got what it takes to tackle huge roles, thanks to her parts in 'This Is England' and 'Line Of Duty', but we'd love to see her take on something with a fun side. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Jenna Coleman(05 of13)
Open Image Modal
Jenna served as the Doctor's loyal assistant for three years, but in the world of science fiction, anything is possible and we're sure the writing team could cleverly come up with a way to put her front and centre. (credit:Matt Crossick/PA Wire)
Samira Wiley(06 of13)
Open Image Modal
Samira is no stranger to television, having starred as Poussey Washington in four seasons of 'Orange Is The New Black'. (credit:Dan MacMedan via Getty Images)
Joanne Froggatt(07 of13)
Open Image Modal
We haven't seen enough of Joanne since 'Downton Abbey' came to an end, and the Tardis would certainly be a departure from the drab and dingy servant's quarters her character Anna was used to. (credit:David Livingston via Getty Images)
Susan Wokoma(08 of13)
Open Image Modal
2017 is being billed as Susan's breakthrough year, but her CV is already more-than-impressive, thanks to roles in shows such as 'Misfits', and films 'Burn, Burn, Burn' and 'The Inbetweeners 2'. (credit:Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images)
Sian Brooke(09 of13)
Open Image Modal
Sian made her mark on 2017's 'Sherlock', playing a master of disguise. Quite frankly, if she can morph into four different personas with such ease, the role of the Time Lord would be a walk in the park. (credit:Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images)
Antonia Thomas(10 of13)
Open Image Modal
Antonia is another star who found fame on E4, playing the feisty Alisha in 'Misfits' - which also gave her a taste for the perils of time travel. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Olivia Colman(11 of13)
Open Image Modal
Multi-award winning actress Olivia also made the bookies' shortlist, with odds of 20/1. (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Hayley Atwell(12 of13)
Open Image Modal
Hayley was vocal about the fact she wanted the role back in August 2015. Her comments came at an interesting time, as 'Doctor Who' writer AL Kennedy had just claimed that the Doctor should never be a woman. (credit:Eric Catarina via Getty Images)
Lara Pulver(13 of13)
Open Image Modal
When Capaldi announced his decision to step down from the role, bookies soon named Lara the female favourite for the role, offering odds of 10/1. (credit:Dominic Lipinski/PA Archive)