David Tennant, Billie Piper Return for Doctor Who‘s 50th!

With Season Seven returning to screens tonight, there’s BIG news for the upcoming 50th anniversary special.

BBC One has confirmed that former Doctor Who stars and fan favorites David Tennant and Billie Piper will return for the special event episode, to air in 3D later in 2013.

Tennant flew the TARDIS as the Tenth Doctor for the second, third, and fourth seasons of the current incarnation of the venerable franchise. The following year he starred in three Doctor Who specials, leading up to his New Year’s Day exit from the show in 2010’s “The End of Time”.

Piper helped relaunch the series in 2005 alongside the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. She appeared in the second season alongside Tennant, leading up the heart-rending farewell at Bad Wolf Bay in 2006’s “Doomsday.”

She returned for a number of guest appearances in subsequent years.

Also announced for the 50th anniversary is actor John Hurt (Harry Potter‘s Ollivander, Merlin).

It will be the first time that the previous incarnation of the Doctor will appear alongside the current Eleventh, Matt Smith, who took up the mantle three years ago. Of course the Doctor’s newest companion, Clara Oswald (Jenna-Louise Coleman), will also appear.

Just about every living former Time Lord, from Tom Baker to Christopher Eccleston, has been rumored for the big anniversary festivities over the last year. While we’re hoping for additional Doctor-related announcements in the weeks to come, Tennant’s Tenth Doctor is the only one confirmed so far.

Doctor Who is now airing new episodes Saturdays at 6:15 p.m. on BBC One in the U.K., and at 8/7c on BBC America! Head over to our Doctor Who series guide for more.