Two lost episodes of Doctor Who, unseen since their original broadcast in the 1960s, have been discovered in a cardboard box belonging to a deceased film collector. The black-and-white episodes, first aired in 1965, were found by the charitable trust Film is Fabulous! in Leicester, which works to preserve cinema and television history.
The recovered episodes feature William Hartnell as the first Doctor, battling a Dalek plot to conquer Earth, the solar system, and the galaxy. The first episode, The Nightmare Begins, was originally broadcast in November 1965, followed by Devil's Planet two weeks later. Both were part of a 12-part storyline, much of which remains missing.
Justin Smith, professor of cinema and television history at De Montfort University and chair of trustees of Film is Fabulous!, described the find as “the holy grail of classic TV discoveries.” He noted that UK broadcasters in the 1960s and 1970s junked much content, making such recoveries rare. The discovery is the first since 2013, when nine episodes were found in Nigeria.
Peter Purves, who played the Doctor’s assistant Steven Taylor in 46 episodes, was invited to a screening under false pretences. He said: “My flabber has never been so gasted.” Purves, now 87, added that 27 of his episodes are still missing but expressed delight at the recovery. The find leaves 95 episodes still lost from the series, which debuted in 1963.
The restored episodes, regenerated by BBC archivists, will be available on BBC iPlayer from 4 April. A special screening in London on the same day will feature Purves as guest of honour. Noreen Adams, director of BBC Archives, said: “BBC Archives has been working to restore the original recordings… ensuring fans can enjoy a little extra treat with their Easter eggs this April.”
