Doctor Who has seen a range of celebrities come and go over time, as guest actors star in various scenes with their characters making a lasting impact on the Whoniverse and all who inhabit it. One prominent figure was Captain Jack Harkness (played by John Barrowman), who became a trusty side-kick to the Ninth and Tenth Doctors (Chris Eccleston and David Tennant).
And hopeful fans everywhere thought he might stick around for a bit longer when Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) revived him after he was shot and killed by a Dalek.
But the Time Agent soon disappeared and left team Tardis to it, and now we know why.
Show writer Russell T. Davies has suggested that if Barrowman had been available, his character Captain Jack may have starred in more episodes of Doctor Who’s third series, but his conflicting committments for the sci-fi spin-off Torchwood, raised issues.
Current show boss Chris Chibnall, was adamant that Jack would be a no show in the rest of series 12, confirming the disappointing news in a statement.
“You won’t see him again this series, I can categorically tell you that,” he told the Mirror.
But eager fans were quick to point out that this might not rule out Barrowman’s appearance in the special, which is technically not part of series 12.
Barrowman himself has expressed how keen he is to film alongside current Doctor Jodie Whittaker, the first female to play the established role.
“If I were asked back to be in an episode with Jodie, I’d love them to go on a big adventure with the team and with Jack,” he previously told Radio Times.
