K-9 returns to Doctor Who

Robot dog K9 will be reunited with Doctor Who in the new series after 24 years apart, say the show’s producers.

K9, who helped Tom Baker’s Time Lord between 1977 and 1981, will join new Doctor David Tennant for one episode.

The show, to be screened on BBC One next spring, sees the team investigate sinister events at a modern-day school.

It will co-star Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Anthony Head and Elisabeth Sladen, who is returning as 1970s Doctor’s assistant Sarah Jane Smith.

K9 and Sarah Jane will join the Doctor and his current sidekicks, Rose and Mickey, in a fight against the evil Krillitanes.

Producer Phil Collinson said it was “great” to be welcoming back K9.

“A whole generation fondly remember him as an ever faithful companion and best friend to Tom Baker’s Doctor,” he said.

“I hope the new generation of viewers will fall in love with him in the same way.”

K-9 Facts

K9 traveled with Tom Baker, joining in 1977 and leaving in 1981.

There have been three K9s.

K9 Mark 1 was designed as a robotic pet by a Professor Marius, who left him to the Doctor. The Doctor gave him to his companion Leela when she left him to join the Time Lords.

K9 Mark 2 was built by the Doctor himself. He gave him to his companion Romana when she decided to travel by herself.

K9 Mark 3 was built as a gift for his old companion Sarah Jane.

Original K9 was swiftly replaced by the production team as his motor was too noisy and his remote controls were on the same frequency as the studio cameras.

Sarah Jane and K9 appeared together in the one-off K9 & Co (1981) and the anniversary special The Five Doctors (1983).