Mark Gatiss became a key figure in Doctor Who starting in 2005, coinciding with Russell T Davies’ revival of the series after a lengthy hiatus.
His inaugural episode, titled “The Unquiet Dead,” featured the Doctor confronting ghostly beings in 19th-century London alongside the famed writer Charles Dickens.
His Dual Role in the Series
As a writer, Gatiss became a regular contributor to the show, but he also appeared as an actor in various roles. His performances ranged from his first portrayal as Professor Lazarus to his final role as the father of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, an early companion of the Doctor during the series’ original run.
Final Contributions and Reflections
The Christmas special “Twice Upon a Time” marked Gatiss’s last appearance, coinciding with his final writing credit for “The Empress of Mars.” At that time, Peter Capaldi was portraying the Twelfth Doctor. Since then, he has not returned to contribute as a writer, citing reasons for his apparent permanent exit in an interview with Radio Times.
“I was in Peter Capaldi’s last story, a regeneration story, with David Bradley, the actor I cast as the First Doctor, and I was playing the Brigadier’s grandfather,” he reflected. “I remember thinking, ‘This is maybe where I should step off because it’s not going to get any better than this.’”
Possibilities for Future Returns
The longstanding tradition of Doctor Who suggests that departures are not always final, especially considering its rich 75-year history. Even characters thought to be gone can make unexpected comebacks in true timey-wimey fashion. Gatiss acknowledged to Radio Times that while he has not yet returned, no one has reached out to him regarding new opportunities.
There remains a chance for audiences to experience another of his narratives in the future. For now, fans can look forward to the upcoming Christmas special featuring Ncuti Gatwa, with Nicola Coughlan as a guest star.
Availability of Current Episodes
All existing episodes of Doctor Who are currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer and Disney+.