Two long-lost episodes of classic Doctor Who have been rediscovered after more than 60 years, reducing the number of missing instalments to 95. The episodes, both from the season 3 serial The Daleks' Master Plan, were found in the private collection of a deceased enthusiast by the charitable trust Film is Fabulous!.
The recovered episodes are The Nightmare Begins, broadcast on 13 November 1965, and Devil's Planet, broadcast on 27 November 1965. Both star William Hartnell as the First Doctor, alongside Peter Purves, Nicholas Courtney, Adrienne Hill, and Kevin Stoney. The estate of the anonymous collector requested that his name not be disclosed.
Film is Fabulous! works to preserve vulnerable film collections in the UK when private collectors or industry professionals pass away. The trust has collaborated with BBC Archives to restore the original 16mm telerecordings, ensuring they are in optimal condition for viewing. The episodes will be screened at a special event on Saturday 4 April, with further details to be announced, and will also be available on BBC iPlayer soon.
In The Nightmare Begins, the TARDIS lands on the planet Kembel, where the Doctor seeks help for his injured companion Steven and discovers the Daleks conspiring with Mavic Chen to conquer Earth. In Devil's Planet, the Doctor and his companions escape Kembel with the taranium core but are pursued by the Daleks to the penal planet Desperus.
