Former Doctor Who star Paul McGann recently addressed the confusion surrounding AI-generated images suggesting his return alongside Billie Piper in the upcoming 2026 Christmas special. McGann clarified that these images, which depicted a believable reunion aboard the TARDIS, were purely fictitious and not tied to any actual production. Fans had hoped to see him back in the role, especially after Piper’s exciting return in the series’ latest finale. Despite the beloved status of McGann, who has made brief cameo appearances in prior seasons, he confirmed that the images were misrepresentations fueled by AI's growing sophistication. The actual special is still in early development, with scriptwriting yet to begin, but the BBC has confirmed a self-funded episode is in the pipeline, allowing fans to hold on to expectations for future plot developments.

nWill Paul McGann appear in the next Doctor Who special?

No, Paul McGann is not expected to appear in the next Doctor Who special, as he confirmed that the recent AI-generated images of him were false and there is no official plan for his return.

Doctor Who, a legendary British science fiction series, first aired in 1963 and has maintained a devoted fanbase through multiple incarnations of the Doctor. McGann portrayed the eighth Doctor in the 1996 TV film and made several appearances in specials, becoming a cherished character among fans. The upcoming Christmas special aims to resolve cliffhangers from previous episodes, as the series pushes forward with fresh storylines amidst changing production dynamics, including a recent breakup with co-production partner Disney due to budgetary concerns.