BBC Studios have announced that the 1969 Patrick Troughton story The War Games, has been colourised with the new edition being shown on BBC Four and iPlayer this Christmas. 

Originally aired in 1969, The War Games marked the end of an era for the Second Doctor who, with his companions Zoe and Jamie, land in a battlefield that appears to be a World War I military zone—but all is not as it seems.

They soon discover that soldiers from different historical periods have been abducted and are being manipulated in a cruel game. As they work to uncover the mystery behind the War Lord and his twisted experiments, the Doctor faces one of his most difficult challenges.

For the first time, these original episodes have been colourised and enhanced with updated visual effects edited into a new, 90-minute feature-length experience to appeal to today’s modern audiences. With updated sound and a new score, this new version of The War Games offers fans and newcomers even more ways to watch the much-loved classic story.

In addition, the episode will also feature the Second Doctor's never-before-seen regeneration into the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee), alongside recovered footage not seen since the original broadcast.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner said:

The story will be screened on BBC Four on 23rd December 2024.

This special episode is the second time that a classic Doctor Who story has been colourised, following The Daleks in 2023 which was updated to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the franchise.

THE WAR GAMES in Colour - Trailer

Today marks the 61st Anniversary of the launch of Doctor Who on 23rd November 1963

To mark the birthday BBC Studios are inviting you to a watch party featuring the Series 1, Season 40 story, Boom alongside story writer Steven Moffat who will live-tweet the event on x. 

The story will be screened on the Doctor Who YouTube channel at 7 pm GMT / 2 pm EST. 

In addition, fans can expect a day full of exclusive content and announcements, giveaways, as well as a brand-new series of New to Who, hosted by Tyrell Charles

You can follow all the Doctor Who Day activities on the Doctor Who official website and channels:

Official Website /  YouTube / Instagram / X  / TikTok

The latest bookazine from the makers of Doctor Who Magazine examines the Daleks’ behind-the-scenes history, and their fictional universe, in unprecedented detail. 

Daleks: The Ultimate Guide includes all the television stories, along with details of Dalek feature films, stage plays, books, comic strips, webcasts, audio dramas and much more. New CG illustrations tell the story of the Daleks’ evolution from 1963 to the present day.

This 224-page publication, packed full of new and new and exclusive material, includes a lavish slipcase. 

Editor Marcus Hearn says

Doctor Who: Daleks – The Ultimate Guide is on sale Thursday 21 November 

from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £19.99 (UK). 

Also available as a digital edition from pocketmags.com priced £18.99.

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 610 is available now. 

Inside this issue

• PHILIP HINCHCLIFFE – THE ULTIMATE INTERVIEW! The man behind Fourth Doctor classics such as Genesis of the Daleks, Terror of the Zygons, The Seeds of Doom and Robots of Death reflects on his career – sharing his views on what makes essential Doctor Who – and reacts to episodes of this year’s series.

• Showrunners RUSSELL T DAVIES, STEVEN MOFFAT, CHRIS CHIBNALL and the TV Movie’s producer PHILIP SEGAL talk about Hinchcliffe Who and how it inspired them.

• As the first series of Blake’s 7 arrives on Blu-ray, we examine how it crossed over with Doctor Who.

• John Kane – who played the loveable Tommy in 1974’s Planet of the Spiders – gives a rare interview about his part in the series.

• The Fact of Fiction – delving into the detail of Tenth Doctor story The Doctor’s Daughter.

• This Month In… 1967. How Carry On actor Bernard Bresslaw became an Ice Warrior!

• Comic strip action with the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby.

Regular features

• Gallifrey Guardian – full details of the new Dalek partwork launching next year, plus the latest book news.

• Shelf Life – including a review of the Season 25 Blu-ray boxset, plus books, action figures and audio releases.

• Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe.

• Prizes to be won including Blake’s 7 on Blu-ray! 

Doctor Who Magazine Issue 610 is on sale from panini.co.uk and WH Smith priced £7.99 (UK). 

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