David Bradley (English actor) in the final episode of the tenth series of "Doctor Who", "The Doctor Falls", Bradley returned to portray the First Doctor, having previously been portrayed by Hartnell, who originally played the character. He reprised this role in the 2017 Christmas special, "Twice Upon a Time". This makes him the third actor to play the role in the television programme, after William Hartnell and Richard Hurndall since the premiere of "Doctor Who" in 1963, and at the age of 75, he is the also the oldest actor to play the role of the Doctor. Bradley serves as the President of Second
An Adventure in Space and Time with his emotional attachment to the character; with little choice, he reluctantly accepts the situation. He breaks into tears as he informs his wife Heather (Lesley Manville) of the news, admitting that he doesn't want to leave the role. Before his final scene, Hartnell shares a brief exchange with his successor, Patrick Troughton (Reece Shearsmith). As the cameras are about to record, Hartnell looks across the main console and sees Matt Smith, who will play the same role nearly 50 years later. Smith silently acknowledges Hartnell's legacy before disappearing as Hartnell begins the scene. For the thirtieth anniversary of "Doctor