Fans think they spotted some cool Doctor Who references in Paul McGann’s Holby City trailer debut
The Eighth Doctor is back – and he’s working for the NHS

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The news that former Doctor Who star Paul McGann was coming to popular BBC hospital drama Holby City was already pretty exciting news, with the erstwhile Eighth Doctor set to make his debut in a two-part special next month.
- New details revealed for Peter Capaldi’s regeneration into Jodie Whitaker
- First look at newly animated “lost” Doctor Who episode Shada
- Who could be the villain in the Doctor Who Christmas special?
- Holby City: “lives changed forever” in two-part special as Paul McGann debuts
But now things are even more exciting, because a new trailer has now been unveiled introducing McGann’s character Professor John Gaskell – and a few fans can’t help but see Doctor Who’s influence in the footage, which features McGann as a mysterious hero bursting through the doors to save the day.
Paul McGann Is very much like The Eighth Doctor in this #HolbyCity trailer don't you think? #DoctorWho I think I got away with that one! *cough* ???? https://t.co/SVStqhgZHs
— Cameron Yarde Jnr (@CameronYardeJnr) November 22, 2017
Very strong Doctor Who TV movie vibez off the RIDICULOUS new Holby City trailer for Paul McGann joining the cast. https://t.co/e20ibVhclV pic.twitter.com/oh93rmbBdu
— Paul Lang (@rudemrlang) November 21, 2017
https://t.co/T7jebfSAVY PAUL MCGANN SHOULD HAVE BEEN A NEW WHO DOCTOR this trailer is so Doctor Who it hurts
— SeanMossy ???????? (@SeanMossy) November 21, 2017
SO excited for Paul McGann to finally get the TV Doctor Who series he always deserved. https://t.co/xb1ll1oD13
— I am the F B I (@itsmelukepenny) November 21, 2017
In fact, there are some even more direct comparisons if you look closely.
Inspired by @rudemrlang's tweet, I decided to do a direct comparison. (1/5)https://t.co/vDCauFRY59
— K von Bacon (@MatGreenfield) November 21, 2017
Running down hospital corridors: check (2/5) pic.twitter.com/DhZ2T5Ymbr
— K von Bacon (@MatGreenfield) November 21, 2017
Scared looking doctors in blue lighting: check (3/5) pic.twitter.com/bF92MIJh0G
— K von Bacon (@MatGreenfield) November 21, 2017
Figure moving down shadowy hospital corridor: check (4/5) pic.twitter.com/RTdG8jXPIk
— K von Bacon (@MatGreenfield) November 21, 2017
Paul McGann looking concerned at something to his left in a hospital ward: check (5/5) pic.twitter.com/e097BtL6c7
— K von Bacon (@MatGreenfield) November 21, 2017
Looks like anyone sad they never got to see Paul McGann’s Doctor in a full TV series has a treat in store for them. Five quid says he whips out the sonic screwdriver during surgery…
Paul McGann will appear in Holby City in a two-part episode on 5th and 7th December on BBC1