Dr Who's 50th anniversary is approaching and the BBC have revealed the title and length of the special, along with a full programme of special guests and celebrity appearances.

BBC announced today (Sept 10) that the 50th anniversary show will be called 'The Day of The Doctor', starring the departing Matt Smith alongside Jenna Colman as well as seeing the return of their predecessors, David Tennant and Billie Piper. A special appearance will be made by British Legend John Hurt as a previous incarnation of the Doctor.

David Tennant and Jenna Coleman
David Tennant and Jenna Coleman filming th final scenes for Dr Who's christmas special

The programme is set to run for 75 minutes and will air later this year in November.

Hurt recently spoke to the Guardian about his upcoming role in Dr Who, explaining he "had no idea that Doctor Who had got so huge; I just thought, 'Brilliant, I'll be a Doctor!' I was suddenly - what do they call it? You start 'trending'. This is all new to me". John also praised working with Smith and Tennant, "boy, are they good at it. Whoa-wee! They are so quick, and there's a huge amount of learning and no time to learn it in.All that fake scientific nonsense. Terribly difficult to learn".

The long-running science fiction series emerged as a big winner at this year's TV-Choice, according to The Independant it was awarded with an 'Outstanding Contribution award' as well as taking home the 'Best Drama'. David Tennant was also awarded at the ceremony for his work as DI Alec Harding in 'Broadchurch' ironically beating his future co-star in the 50th anniversary of Dr Who, Matt Smith. Does this mean Tennant has always been the better Doctor?

David Tennant and Matt Smith
David Tennant and Matt Smith filming the 50th anniversary episode of Dr Who

BBC are honouring the series by airing two other programmes that will precede the main show. The first being Mark Gatiss's 'An Adventure in Space and Time' starring Harry Potter's David Bradley as the first Dr, William Hartnell. The second show will see Professor Brian Cox host a show dedicated to the science behind the series.

The 50th Anniversary will air in the UK on Saturday 23rd November.

John Hurt
John Hurt on the set of the 50th anniversary episode of Dr Who