Bringing Back the Doctor (CON episode)

 was the episode of Doctor Who Confidential broadcast in conjunction with Rose. The working title for this episode was "Back from the Future".

Although the earlier special Doctor Who: A New Dimension is occasionally considered "Doctor Who Confidential episode 0" because of its similar focus and shared production personnel, this is the first official Doctor Who Confidential episode.

As of 1 November 2023, the full-length episode has been re-released in the UK to stream on BBC iPlayer after many years of being unavailable.

Aspects of production covered

 * Russell T Davies discussing his casting of Christopher Eccleston.
 * The new series branching out into much more on-location shooting as opposed to being filmed mostly on sets like in the classic era, giving it a more modern and expansive feel.
 * Lucinda Wright and Christopher Eccleston discussing choosing a leather jacket for the Ninth Doctor's outfit.

Additional topics covered

 * Reactions of some of the previous Doctors to the return of the show and to Christopher Eccleston's casting as the Doctor.
 * Recap of the classic run of the show.
 * Russell T Davies justifying his decision to not feature the regeneration of the Eighth Doctor.
 * The dedication of Doctor Who fans during the "Wilderness Years".
 * The dynamic between Rose and the Ninth Doctor, and why they both like each other.

Music list

 * "Halcyon and On and On" by Orbital, Album: Orbital
 * "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" by The Killers, Album: Hot Fuss (also used in CON: Doctor Who: A New Dimension)
 * "Blister in the Sun" by Violent Femmes, Album: Grosse Pointe Blank Soundtrack
 * "In-Between Days" by The Cure, Album: The Greatest Hits
 * "My Generation" by The Who (also used in CON: Doctor Who: A New Dimension)
 * "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum, Album: The Collection (also heard in TV: Revelation of the Daleks)
 * "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison, Album: All Things Must Pass
 * "Space Oddity" by David Bowie, Album: The Singles Collection (also used in CON: Doctor Who: A New Dimension)
 * "Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club, Album: The Greatest Hits of the Eighties
 * "You Spin Me Right Round" by Dead or Alive, Album: Youthquake
 * "The Final Countdown" by Europe, Album: The Final Countdown (also used in CON: Doctor Who: A New Dimension)
 * "High and Dry" by Radiohead, Album: The Bends
 * "A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis vs. JXL, Album: Elvis Greatest Hits
 * "Dedicated Follower of Fashion" by The Kinks, Album: The Definitive Collection (also used in CON: The Eleventh Doctor)

These songs were in the music list on the Doctor Who website, but do not feature in the episode:
 * "I'd Have You Anytime" by George Harrison, Album: All Things Must Pass
 * "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by The Hollies, Album: Now That's What I Call Music 1988

Elements retained in Cut Down

 * Russell T Davies discussing his casting of Christopher Eccleston.
 * The new series branching out into much more on-location shooting as opposed to being filmed mostly on sets.
 * The dynamic between Rose and the Ninth Doctor, and why they both like each other.
 * Lucinda Wright and Christopher Eccleston discussing choosing a leather jacket for the Ninth Doctor's outfit.

Home video releases
The "Cut Down" version of this episode was included on the Doctor Who: The Complete First Series DVD box set released on 21 November 2005.