Doctor Who star Janet Fielding says fans have a lot to look forward ahead of the BBC centenary special.

Ms Fielding who played Tegan Jovanka during the 1980s is returning to the show after over 40 years.

Now, the former companion has described just how her return came about.

She told the Adver: “Fans had started posting on my Twitter feed saying that Chris Chibnall liked Tegan and Ace and wanted to bring them back.

“The casting director contacted my agent Julian who is my agent for this, they asked would I be interested and I said yes I would.

“I had to keep it a secret for a very long time, from August to Easter.

 “A couple of times I nearly blurted it out accidentally.

“It was just strange because I hadn’t been in front of a camera as an actress for 35 years and you get out of the habit of learning lines.”

Swindon Advertiser: The Daleks will return for centenary special. Pic PAThe Daleks will return for centenary special. Pic PA

Asked about the upcoming centenary special, Ms Fielding said: “A lot of action, for once I get to wear sensible clothing when you are fighting monsters.”

Another, milestone in the history of Doctor Who will be marked, when the show celebrates its 60th anniversary next year.

Swindon Advertiser: Peter Davidson signing autographs. Pic Dave CoxPeter Davidson signing autographs. Pic Dave Cox

Former stars such as David Tennant and Catherine Tate have already been confirmed, both have been spotted filming in Bristol and London in recent weeks.

Peter Davidson who played the fifth Doctor during the 1980s gave his thoughts on the show and the impact that he had.

Mr Davidson said: “I love Doctor Who, I watched it from the very beginning, so it was a great honour to play the character.

“One thing I do think is at the time I did feel that I was a young doctor because I feel in retrospect, I got out just in time because it started to go into a decline but I only every intended to do it for three years.

“It was a great opportunity, but I was quite young and there were other things I wanted to do.

“We’ve been used to old doctors, so I felt slightly out of place.

“But then it came back with David Tennant and Matt Smith and so I felt as though I started a trend."

Doctor Who will return to TV screens in the autumn in what will be Jodie Whittaker’s final appearance as the doctor before she regenerates.