David Tennant and Billie Piper confirmed to return for Doctor Who 50th anniversary special

For many fans, David Tennant's incarnation of the iconic lead character was the best in Doctor Who's five decade history.

So they'll be in for a treat when he makes a special return for the show's fiftieth anniversary this year, alongside love interest and companion Billie Piper.

After months of speculation, the BBC have confirmed that the two stars will make an appearance in the one-hour special, which is due to air on November 23.

Comeback: The BBC has confirmed that David Tennant and Billie Piper will return for the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary episode on November 23

The pair will star alongside the current Doctor Matt Smith and his newest companion played by Jenna-Louise Coleman, as well as a host of other stars from the show's past.

 

Reprising their roles at the Tenth Doctor and Rose Tyler, Tennant and Piper will be joined by British actor John Hurt in the 3D episode, the plot of which is yet to be announced.

Fans were left disappointed back in January, when Piper denied clams that she would be taking part in the landmark episode.

Joining forces: Although the plot is being kept under wraps, it has been announced that Tennant and Piper will star alongside Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman

Fan favourite: The pairing of Tennant and Piper was an instant hit with died hard Doctor Who fans back in 2005

When questioned about it during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, she said: 'I wasn't asked, no.'

'I think Matt Smith may have said, in passing or in jest, it would be nice. I think maybe he said that and then it became something quite different, but no,' she added.

And show producer and lead writer Steven Moffat is also going to great lengths to protect the content of the special programme.

'One length I've gone to which is a really good security measure - I make sure I don't get a script, because I will lose it,' he said. 'I forbid people to hand me one. It's on my computer under lock and key.'

On-screen chemistry: The stars, who played the Tenth Doctor and Rose Tyler, kept fans glued to the screen with their slow burning love story

Although current Doctor Smith has already been allowed a sneak peak: 'I read it and I clapped at the end. I think it's hilarious, it's epic and it's vast,' he told the BBC.

Tennant, 41, who is currently starring in ITV detective show Broadchurch, starred as The Doctor from 2005 until 2010, when Smith took up the role.

Piper also joined the cast in 2005, appearing for the first time opposite Christopher Eccleston, who played the ninth Doctor.

The news of the return comes as the first episode of the new series airs on BBC One on Saturday night.

New blood: Coleman, who has already appeared in episodes, makes her debut as the Doctor's companion in the new series, which kicks off on Saturday