David Tennant returns to TV screens in Doctor Who special for Children In Need

David Tennant has appeared in a Doctor Who sketch to raise money for Children In Need.

The clip, created by Russell T Davies, saw Tennant once again take up the role of the Time Lord in which his Tardis accidentally appears at the “genesis of the Daleks” – the enemy of the Doctor.

Scottish actor Tennant, who first stepped into the Tardis in 2005 to play the 10th Doctor, regenerated into the 14th Doctor in the conclusion of the show’s BBC centenary special which saw the end of Jodie Whittaker’s reign last year.

During the clip, actor Mawaan Rizwan is seen brainstorming a name for the newly-invented Dalek.

Crashing into and breaking the Dalek with his Tardis, Tennant said: “Hello, just passing by because I got a bit lost, it’s funny 60 minutes ago I was this really brilliant woman and now I’ve got this old face back again. I mean, why?

“Oh, I’m sorry, I am so, so sorry, I think I broke this multi-clawed adaptable … oh, that’s a Dalek.”

Rizwan said: “Good word, Dalek. Yes, that’s it.”

“I’m lucky, I wasn’t exterminated” Tennant said. “Wait do you mean this is the genesis of the Daleks?”

After breaking the Dalek, the Doctor hands a plunger from his Tardis which marks the “origins of the iconic Dalek arm”, the Doctor Who official Twitter page said.

It comes ahead of Tennant reuniting with Catherine Tate for a trio of 60th anniversary specials of Doctor Who airing on November 25, ahead of Ncuti Gatwa taking over the role.

Midway through the Children In Need broadcast, it was announced a total of £17,648,781 had been raised so far.

The show – which raises money to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people around the UK – saw Mel Giedroyc return to host alongside Ade Adepitan, Jason Manford, Chris Ramsey, Alex Scott and new addition Lenny Rush.

During the show, the cast of I Should Be So Lucky – the Stock Aitken Waterman musical – performed, with Manford and Giedroyc dressing up as Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue while they sang Especially For You.

It was kicked off on Friday evening with a special message from the Princess of Wales, who said: “Hello everyone. I’m delighted that Children In Need have invited me to open this evening’s show.

“Tonight is all about helping to support, champion and empower all children to be the very best they can be, which is crucial for their future health and happiness.

“Our relationships, surroundings and experiences during the earliest years lay the foundations that shape the rest of our lives.

“Yet, sadly, we know that for too many people, stressful and traumatic situations in early childhood can cause harm and it can take many years to overcome.”

Kate said nurturing every childhood is “vital” when describing why projects supported by Children In Need “are so important”.

“They help the very youngest, most vulnerable members of our society feel safe, secure and loved in these important, formative years, so that they can enjoy their childhoods now, and grow to reach their potential and thrive in the world in later life,” she said.

Kate also wished the “best of luck” to those taking part in challenges in aid of Children In Need.

The live show also featured an appearance from BBC Two broadcaster Vernon Kay after he completed an ultra-marathon challenge in aid of the charity.

He said “Wow, speechless”, after learning his challenge had raised £5,067,847.

Meanwhile, Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock performed her solo single My Love.

The singer, 32, who used young dancers from the Aim Sky High company, spoke about recently visiting a Children In Need project.

“It was amazing, just a really inspiring day,” she said.