08/02/2020
Wilfred Mott's Fate: A Doctor Who Retcon
The recent Doctor Who special, "The Giggle," delivered a multitude of surprises, but one of the most touching revelations concerned the fate of the beloved Wilfred Mott, portrayed by the late, great Bernard Cribbins. Initially, a more somber conclusion was penned for the character, one that acknowledged Cribbins's passing. However, a crucial intervention from producer Phil Collinson led to a last-minute reprieve, ensuring Wilfred's continued, albeit off-screen, existence within the Whoniverse. This change, while born from a moment of profound sadness, ultimately offered a more hopeful and fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of Bernard Cribbins.
The Original, Poignant Ending
Following Bernard Cribbins's passing in July 2022, the team behind Doctor Who found themselves in the delicate position of how to handle Wilfred Mott's presence in "The Giggle." The scenes featuring Wilfred had been filmed prior to Cribbins's death, and he was slated to film further sequences. Showrunner Russell T Davies revealed on the in-vision commentary for "The Giggle" that he had drafted an alternative ending where the Doctor would have directly discussed Wilfred's passing. Davies described this version as "immensely sad" and "beautiful," a direct reaction to the real-world events that felt "very, very strange." He felt a strong inclination to acknowledge the loss, believing it would tonally fit the episode's themes of remembering the past and coming to terms with those we've lost.
"It was very much a reaction to what had literally just happened, 'cause it felt very, very strange so I felt like we had to acknowledge it," Davies explained. "You can imagine how, tonally, it fitted into this – remembering the past and coming to terms with those we’ve lost…"
Phil Collinson's Crucial Intervention
However, before this more melancholic version of events could be finalised, producer Phil Collinson stepped in with a vital counter-argument. Collinson's immediate reaction was one of firm disagreement: "Are you mad? Of course, he’s alive off-camera, of course, he’s still here, he’s alive forever – around the corner." Davies, reflecting on this, conceded, "And I just went, 'You’re so right'." This late interjection proved pivotal, offering Wilfred Mott a last-minute reprieve from an off-screen demise.
Davies elaborated on the impact of Collinson's input: "We’d kind of signed off on it almost, and [Phil] just went, stop stop stop! Now Bernard’s forever." This sentiment underscores the desire to keep the spirit of Bernard Cribbins alive within the ongoing narrative of Doctor Who, ensuring his character was not definitively written out in a manner that would feel like a final farewell.
Wilfred's Flourishing Absence
The revised ending saw Wilfred Mott safely taken to UNIT at the request of his granddaughter, Donna Noble (Catherine Tate), a detail revealed within "The Giggle." Fans were further treated to a subtle, yet significant, mention of Wilfred during a concluding dinner scene. This scene featured the Fourteenth Doctor, Mel Bush (Bonnie Langford), and members of the Noble-Temple family. When Sylvia Noble, Donna's mother, was asked about Wilfred's whereabouts, she explained his absence by stating, "He's off shooting moles." This seemingly innocuous comment serves a dual purpose: it provides a plausible, everyday reason for his absence and, more importantly, hints at his continued well-being and engagement in his own life. The Doctor's response, "The Doctor noted that the moles were safe, however, having given them force fields," adds a touch of classic Doctor Who whimsy and reassurance, implying that Wilfred's unconventional pest control methods are under the watchful, albeit distant, eye of the Doctor.
This final touch allows viewers to rest easy, picturing Wilfred "off having his adventures with the Fourteenth Doctor keeping an eye on him." It’s a testament to the character's enduring appeal and a fitting way to honour Bernard Cribbins by keeping his presence felt within the Doctor Who universe, even in his absence.
Bernard Cribbins: A Doctor Who Icon
Bernard Cribbins's association with Doctor Who spanned decades and multiple incarnations. He first appeared in the 1966 film "Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D." as Tom Campbell, a companion to Peter Cushing's Doctor. His most prominent and beloved role, however, was as Wilfred Mott, the maternal grandfather of companion Donna Noble. Cribbins portrayed Wilfred on television between 2007 and 2010, becoming a fan favourite for his warmth, humour, and gravitas. He reprised the role in 2019 for Big Finish Productions' audio stories and made a brief return to the television series in the 2022 special "Wild Blue Yonder," broadcast over a year after his passing.
Cribbins was a celebrated figure in British entertainment, known for his extensive work in film and television. His roles in "The Railway Children," his narration and voice work on "The Wombles," and his frequent appearances on the children's storytelling show "Jackanory" cemented his place in the hearts of many. His Doctor Who tenure was particularly significant. He was contracted to play Wilfred Mott on a recurring basis following the death of actor Howard Attfield, who had played Donna's father. Cribbins's contributions to the character were substantial; he suggested Wilfred's backstory element of having Spanish flu during Donna's wedding in "The Runaway Bride" to explain his absence. Furthermore, he famously proposed using a paint-gun against the Daleks, a humorous suggestion that was incorporated into the episode "The Stolen Earth," much to the delight of Davies and the audience.
At eighty years old during the filming of the final David Tennant specials, "The End of Time," Cribbins became the oldest actor to ever play a companion in the television series. His long-standing connection to Doctor Who is rivalled only by a select few actors who have had similarly enduring relationships with the show. Cribbins remains one of the few actors to have appeared in both the original 1960s television series and the 1960s films, and uniquely, he is the first actor to have portrayed two different companions, albeit across different continuities.
A Legacy of Affection
Bernard Cribbins's impact on Doctor Who extended beyond his on-screen performances. His involvement in "Pointless Celebrities" alongside Jacqueline King (who played Sylvia Noble) saw them win the jackpot, with Cribbins donating his share to the charity Sparks. He also contributed to the charity reference book "Behind the Sofa: Celebrity Memories of Doctor Who." The decision to alter Wilfred Mott's ending in "The Giggle" is a poignant reflection of the deep affection and respect the production team, and indeed the fans, hold for Bernard Cribbins. By choosing to keep Wilfred "alive forever," they ensured that a piece of Cribbins's spirit continues to inhabit the Doctor Who universe, a fitting tribute to an actor who brought so much joy and warmth to the role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Bernard Cribbins in the 1960s Doctor Who films?
Yes, Bernard Cribbins appeared in the 1966 film "Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D." as Tom Campbell. This makes him one of the few actors to have featured in both the original Doctor Who television series and one of the 1960s films.
Did Bernard Cribbins play more than one Doctor Who character?
While primarily known for Wilfred Mott, Bernard Cribbins also voiced Arnold Korns in the Big Finish audio story "Horror of Glam Rock." He is also noted as the first actor to have portrayed two different companions, though the continuities of the films and TV series are separate.
How did Doctor Who handle Bernard Cribbins's passing?
The special "The Giggle" initially had an ending where the Doctor would have acknowledged Wilfred Mott's death. However, producer Phil Collinson suggested a last-minute change, opting to imply Wilfred was still alive off-screen, ensuring his continued presence within the narrative and honouring Bernard Cribbins's legacy.
What was Wilfred Mott doing in "The Giggle"?
In "The Giggle," Wilfred Mott was revealed to have been taken to safety by UNIT at the request of Donna Noble. During a dinner scene, Sylvia Noble mentioned he was "off shooting moles," with the Doctor confirming the moles were safe thanks to force fields.
When will Doctor Who return?
Doctor Who will return for "The Church on Ruby Road" on BBC One at 5:55 pm on Christmas Day. Previous episodes are available on BBC iPlayer and BritBox.
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