The BBC and Film is Fabulous have announced the recovery of the William Hartnell episodes The Nightmare Begins and The Devil's Planet, two previously missing episodes of the epic twelve part story broadcast over the winter of 1965/66, The Daleks' Master Plan!

The two episodes were recovered from the estate of a late collector and the restored versions will be available on the BBC iPlayer from 4 April.

The recoveries bring the current count of missing episodes of Doctor Who down to 95, a number that hasn't reduced since the announcement of the recovery of The Enemy of the World and most of The Web of Fear in 2013. It means the first quarter of the story is now back in the archives, and enables us to now see more of Adrienne Hill's portrayal of short-lived companion Katarina, and of Nicholas Courtney's first role in the series as Bret Vyon, long before he became regular character Brrigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.

Doctor Who Magazine, issue 627 is released today

In this issue

• Brave heart! An in-depth chat with JANET FIELDING who played the irrepressible Tegan opposite the Fourth and Fifth Doctors.

• ALEX KINGSTON talks about playing River Song alongside the Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors, as well as her on-going audio adventures with Big Finish, and her new book Stormcage.

• Meet MILES TAYLOR, who is assuming the role of the Eleventh Doctor in a new range of audio dramas!

• Monster actor RICHARD PRICE shares his memories of playing Cybermen, a Sea Devil and a Scaly Man!

• 40 Years of Fundraising! Looking back at the incredible artistry and charitable work of the Hyde fundraisers – including their contribution to last year’s season finale.

• We examine the forbidden text of the Veritas, in our FACT OF FICTION feature on the mind-bending Twelfth Doctor episode Extremis.

• Top Trumps! A stat-busting guide to Doctor Who editions of the popular card game.

• Back to 1985… Blake’s 7’s Paul Darrow joins the cast of Doctor Who…

• We assess the battle plans of the various factions in Remembrance of the Daleks.

• The inner workings of the Dalek City on Skaro explored!

• The Fifteenth Doctor and Mel learn more about the Daleks’ plans, in the latest instalment of Corruption of the Daleks…

Regular features

• GALLIFREY GUARDIAN: the latest news including the 4K Ultra HD release of the Paul McGann TV movie.

• Reviews – including the latest audio releases, books and action figures.

• Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe – featuring a chat with ANNEKE WILLS who played companion Polly.

• Prizes to be won – including the new Season 21 Limited Edition Blu-ray boxset! 

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 627 is on sale Thursday 5 March 2026  from panini.co.uk and TG Jones priced £7.99 (UK). 

Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £6.99.