There’s talk that a new doctor could be on the way for a forthcoming season of Dr Who.
But South Tyneside can already boast plenty of connections to the Dr and his companions, and a handful of his enemies.
There are fans galore across the area and all of these photos come from the Shields Gazette archives.
Take a look and see if they bring back wonderful memories.
1. A who's who of winners
A line-up of fans dressed as doctors at a convention in 2007. Recognise them? Photo: TC
2. npse-02-08-21-retrowho-NEPupload
Dr Who fan Liam Powell had every reason to smile. Look at the fantastic door in his bedroom in this 2009 photo. Photo: se
3. On parade in style
St John's Cubs were joined by Dr Who characters for this 2008 photo. Can you spot someone you know in the photo? Photo: TC
4. Face to face with an Ood
Third birthday celebrations at the Bunny Hill Centre included a visit by model maker Ray Phillips. Lee Sewell, 9, got to see one of Ray's fantastic latex masks showing the character from Dr Who in 2009. Photo: PB