Russell T. Davies pays tribute to the late Bernard Cribbins in Doctor Who

In a heartfelt tribute, Russell T. Davies, the showrunner of Doctor Who, bids farewell to the late Bernard Cribbins, who made a poignant final appearance in the latest episode of the iconic series. Cribbins, who passed away in July 2022, portrayed the beloved character Wilfred Mott, the grandfather of companion Donna Noble, from 2007 to 2010.

Davies took to Instagram to express his emotions, stating, “Farewell, old soldier. That’s goodnight and goodbye to our beloved Bernard.” The recent episode, titled “Wild Blue Yonder,” featured a touching reunion between Cribbins, David Tennant’s Doctor, and Catherine Tate’s Donna.

Cribbins originally entered the Doctor Who universe in 1966, playing companion Tom Campbell. He made a remarkable return 41 years later in the revived TV series. Davies disclosed that there were additional scenes planned for Cribbins, but unfortunately, he passed away before they could be filmed.

Despite Cribbins’ physical absence, the show paid homage to the late actor by incorporating the scenes they had previously filmed, creating a poignant moment between Donna and Wilfred. The reunion struck a chord with fans as the Doctor expressed, “Wilfred Mott, now I feel better. Now nothing is wrong, nothing in the whole wide world.”

Reflecting on their collaboration, Davies shared that he and Cribbins had a special bond, and even in the actor’s final years, they remained in touch. Cribbins’ dedication to the role and the warmth he brought to the set left an enduring impact on the Doctor Who family.

The emotional farewell not only honoured the character of Wilfred Mott but also celebrated Bernard Cribbins’ lasting contribution to the iconic science fiction series. The episode served as a fitting tribute to the late actor, acknowledging his significance in the rich legacy of Doctor Who.

While Cribbins’ physical presence is irreplaceable, the episode allowed fans to relive the charm and charisma he brought to the character of Wilfred Mott. The heartfelt scenes not only resonated with longtime Doctor Who enthusiasts but also served as a beautiful send-off to one of the show’s beloved actors.