2026 - July to September
July 2026
13 - On their X, FIF announce that two more film collections have been catalogued. Among the material discovered is a scene from a missing episode of a 1967 Petula Clark broadcast on the BBC, featuring The Dudley Moore Trio.
16 - On YouTube, FIF release a short video featuring Tim Burrows of the DWMEPC speaking on the topic of cutting copies - and how "loads" of copies of Doctor Who episodes could have been made.
17 - On their FB, FIF announce that at the screening of The Daleks' Master Plan at Phoenix Cinema, Leicester on 15 August 2026, two former BBC editors will join a discussion panel to further clarify the BBC's processes around cutting copies.
August 2026
4 - On their FB, FIF announce that at the Leicester screening of DMP 1-3 on 15 August, a discussion panel will feature former BBC editor Robert Maynard as a special guest. Robert will talk among other things about his knowledge of cutting copies, and the panel will be recorded and made available on the FIF Patreon and YouTube.
5 - In a reply to a comment, FIF state on their FB that "there is a chance" more missing Doctor Who will be returned to the BBC in the future.
6 - FIF announce that a second special guest, former BBC editor Simon Chambers, will feature on the discussion panel at Leicester.
7 - In an email to supporters, FIF advise that on 15 July, at BBC Archives, the prints of the following episodes of Doctor Who were handed over:
Doctor Who: The Web Planet
Doctor Who: The Executioners
Doctor Who: The Nightmare Begins
Doctor Who: Devil’s Planet
Although two other episodes of Doctor Who were found at the same time as these, only those listed were of higher quality than what was already held.
Also handed back were the finds of The Beatles at Top of the Pops, the episode of Once More with Felix, an episode of Morecambe & Wise and more.
8 - On PMF, Servorobot speculates on the role of BBC Sydney in producing cutting copies, given that the ABC censors made many cuts to episodes of Doctor Who.
15 - In a post reporting from the screening at HOME in Leicester, GB member steven.walton says FIF have reiterated that they are "aware of more episodes in other collections" - however, these collections are not as vulnerable as others, and FIF will get to them "when they can".
Also, FIF do not have any episodes currently.
17 - On their FB, the Radio Times posts a short piece featuring son of second Doctor, Michael Troughton, expressing his wish to have The Power of the Daleks found and returned.
24 - Peter Purves interviews FIF in the latest episode of his podcast. In it, the team describe the origin of FIF in 2023 and the background of the role of De Montfort University in the team.
John Franklin refers to the two DMP episodes, in that they formed part of an "inherited" collection from a deceased collector when they were obtained by the late gentleman who had them when FIF found them. John says this is common, and often accounts for why collectors don't know what they have.
John also says that many late film collectors' families were often happy to see the collections disposed of (i.e., thrown out), due to concerns over the films' provenance and any possible legal ramifications. John also says the very first collection they removed from a premises held missing episodes of The Likely Lads and Sykes.
Sue Malden talks about the role of Enid Mawson in preserving archive material, that it was a good relationship between the two ladies.
September 2026
4 - On their YT, FIF post a short video on their return of six episodes of Doctor Who to the BBC.
9 - On their YT, FIF post an excerpt from an interview with John Franklin, in which it's revealed that it was John himself who on examining the film collection first discovered the missing episodes of Doctor Who.
11 - On their FB, in a post about the find and return of missing segments from The Frost Report (featuring Ronnie Barker and John Cleese), FIF state that "a host of missing and rare items" will be returned to the BBC "at the end of September".
15 - On their X (Twitter), FIF state that there may be another Beatles film in another private collection - which, intriguingly for Whovians, belongs to a former studio engineer in Lime Grove (Studio E). This collector has approached FIF about the artefact.
17 - On PMF, Servorobot reports that in the latest DWM, Anneke Wills says she has heard "a hot whisper" regarding more returned missing episodes.
20 - A commenter on this blog alerted me to an upcoming screening of the two extant episodes of both The Underwater Menace and The Faceless Ones. Hosted by Riverside Studios and presented by Gavin Rymill and James Goss, who will also conduct an information and Q&A session for each episode, the screening takes place on 3 October 2026.
30 - To see out September, FIF post on their X that they will soon take in several collections for cataloguing, belonging to former BBC staff - namely, those of David Jervis (Doctor Who, Red Dwarf), Ken Locke and notably that of the late Keith Wilton, a former BBC film editor said to have one of the largest film collections in the world.
And from their FB, FIF further state that 2 out of the 3 collections are to be catalogued at De Montfort University - the third will be handled by an expert at R3Store Studios in London (Ed:- this seems likely to be the large Wilton collection).
In the comments on FB, FIF confirm this intake represents "thousands of cans". They further state there are "more recoveries to be announced" and that they are beginning the London-based cataloguing "this week".
Furthermore, FIF state that if this London-based enterprise is successful, they will be able to take "several large collections" located in the capital city, in which are "culturally important items".
tim burrows is remarkably well informed. the problem is the amount of time that has gone by since these cutting copies were made and the fact that this info has only come out now in 2026. imagine if it had of come out in 1983. far more likely more material would have been tracked down and extremely bad luck that episode 4 of DMP was NOT in the batch of cutting copy film cans.
ReplyDeleteDoctor who is the most documented tv show of all time, i think that the issue of finding stuff is less that people arent motivated and more that this kind of stuff isnt easy to find. Like who wouldve expected a train collector to have missing DMP?
Deleteit seems certain at least one more dr who missing episode has been found but the info has not leaked out yet. will it be an historical or will it be another sci fi episode.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I've felt like we're in one of those "lulls" for weeks now, feels like something is coming down the pipeline. Even after DMP was announced I already felt we might get a little something else before the year is out. Here's hoping
Deleteyes once again it seems like it will be via film is fabulous but I would like to see if an episode turns up from elsewhere. going by all the information I would expect some announcement around november/december
ReplyDeleteinteresting there was an older article interview with john franklin where a hartnell dalek episode is mentioned and then he said the info is not correct and he was misquoted and yet later it turned out to be true. so the dalek masterplan find nearly got leaked earlier on but they were indicating one episode and not the two that eventually were found.so far no other near leaks have happened yet.
ReplyDeleteFor context to anyone reading the other two episodes were The Survivors and The Escape from The Daleks 1963 which isnt too surprising as I think we’ve hit the ceiling when it comes to that serial’s print quality as it’s probably the one we have the most prints of
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you - in reference to the 7 August entry.
Deletethe sensesphere anonymous source is reportably saying multiple doctor who episodes but I replied that unless you know this source well then it could be just speculation and it has gone quiet again. we are also waiting for FIF to publish that full list of various bbc tv shows with 70. hopefully by xmas all will be revealed
ReplyDeleteWe can only hope
DeleteLooking at the update from Aug 15. The fact that they don't seem to be in a rush to get their hands on eps is a bit aggravating (especially because I was very so slightly optimistic we'd get something else by the end of this year) but also probably for the best if FiF want to maintain their status as preservationists and not treasure hunters. Plus the fact that episodes do still exist and that they're not running the risk of getting chucked out into a bin anytime soon is excellent news.
ReplyDeletethese collections are not as vulnerable as others, and FIF will get to them "when they can". NOT AS VULNERABLE does that mean FIF can get hold of these episodes anytime they want? if so why wait.? unless of course they already have them.
ReplyDeleteBecause their workload is punishing. Tim Burrows posted a video on his Patreon from the recent DMP screening in which he says they ate basically working all day and into nights carting films around the country and attempting to catalogue it all. And of course, if there's no immediate justification to obtain films they have no choice but to de-prioritise. As always it's a waiting game, all we can do is support them if possible and be patient. Which is hard, I know!
Deletewhat would be good is if they could report the number of dr who episodes. it may only be another 2 for example or if 4, 6 or 8 then why not just say the number. I think fans can rule out a FULL story being recovered. it will most likely be a certain amount of single episodes but after 13 years of waiting any found episodes is a miracle as was the case with the 2 masterplan episodes.
ReplyDeleteI too am somewhat surprised that no one asked follow up questions, but I guess it's a case of keeping a respectful distance and not pressing them for details. Which is a shame, but understandable
Deletethey have been saying 6 episodes for some time. not FIF but others have been saying that for years but it you add on the 2 masterplan eps then that makes 8
ReplyDeleteAll we know is that it's at least 2 eps and probably somewhere up to around 5 or 6.
Deleteyes it would be great if they gave out an exact number of dr who episodes at least that way fans could have some fun guessing what those episodes actually might be. although many have been guessing for the last 5 years. the masterplan episodes kind of got leaked earlier and then strong denial so it will be interesting if any episodes get leaked or strongly rumoured before another actual return happens.
ReplyDeletethose new FIF youtube videos are frustrating not allowing comments and only showing surviving prints being returned. how about showing a MISSING dr who being returned. not the recent DMP 1 and 3 but something new as we know there is at least one more and turning on the comments for the reactions. that would be an exciting way to reveal it.maybe they might do that at the end of this year.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if the two Hartnells Paul Vanezis has known for a while are both S3?
ReplyDeleteyes as far as been revealed both series 3 but the exact episodes are not known and he says he has only seen the cans. do we believe that? you would think he would be BEGGING to see the two episodes and most likely he has seen them.
ReplyDeletePaul has seen the recordings; all that’s left is to wait. Who knows? Maybe next year we’ll see more recoveries. I’m really hoping something from the Second Doctor turns up—even if it were just one of the episodes from The Underwater Menace or The Space Pirates, I’d be thrilled. The Film is Fabulous team will keep us updated via their videos and social media posts. I’d love for something else to be found this year, but if not, I’m happy that we’ve at least recovered two episodes.
ReplyDeleteYes, I don't think there will be anything else this year, but another 2 - 3 years there will almost definitely be something uncovered.
Deleteyes FIF were VERY lucky to get those 2 DMP episodes. even if it had of been one episode but to find two is truly amazing.
ReplyDeleteTHIS IS LISTED ONLINE. original 16mm film recording will be returned to the BBC by Film is Fabulous! with a host of other missing and rare items, at the end of September." note the wording. a HOST of items-so DR WHO would have to be included with the other items.
ReplyDeleteWhere is that? And why do you think Who has to be part of that? I mean, I certainly hope so but why are you so certain?
DeleteOh ok I've seen where it says that - big jump to assume that will be any Who though
DeleteAgreed - to assume a missing Who would be included amongst tons of shows and films is an enormous leap.
DeleteWe shouldn't jump to conclusions and claim that Film is Fabulous has any *Doctor Who* episodes in its possession; while they hold various items from other shows and lost media, they have already stated that they will make an announcement if and when they acquire anything.
DeleteWe know that the Film is Fabulous team maintains constant contact with private collectors and is working with various collections; they have stated that the collections they are currently handling are not at risk, so they will focus on other, vulnerable collections. However, coincidences can happen—after all, what was thought to be just one lost episode turned out, upon cataloging, to be two—so there is a possibility that another collection might contain Doctor Who material.
DeleteYou chaps are chatty lately. Which is good because the forums are boring me to tears :D We seem to have our own mini-forum going here
ReplyDeleteYeah, bit of a drought of news (not your fault, you're just the messenger). I think in reality people just got excited after the March 13 returns and started speculating something else was coming soon, when really there are most likely no Doctor Who eps in FiF's possession at the current moment.
DeleteI have to confess I was one of those - for some reason it seemed more reveals were on the horizon, I expected something during August (purely my own speculation) but nothing materialised. Still, it's surely only a matter of time given FIF's record and recent statements.
DeleteI think we were all excited about the return of the episodes; the fact that a story considered the least likely to resurface has sparked such hope among fans is truly special. It’s fun to speculate about which episode might come back and which story it belongs to—it’s thrilling. At the very least, we have the reassurance of knowing that Film is Fabulous is fully aware of these episodes' existence. We don't know when, but let's hope that in the near future they return to the archives so we can all enjoy the brilliant performances of the First and Second Doctors. Let's keep supporting them—who knows, we might see a return as early as next year. I also hope the BBC announces another animation this year.
DeleteWell spoken. In the long run I do like to think we will eventually reach ONE HUNDRED surviving Hartnell eps (we are at 92 with the new DMP eps), and it is more likely to have episodes come back from it, as Seasons 1 and 2 were sold far and wide compared to the Troughton era?
DeleteAll that’s left for us to do is wait; in a recent video posted on the Film is Fabulous YouTube channel, they mention becoming well-known among Doctor Who fans almost overnight. This shows they now have more support, so let’s be patient fans—our wait will be rewarded. In the meantime, let’s keep supporting them however we can by liking and sharing their content.
DeleteHot whispers? From who and where? Kinda throws a loop into the expectation most people have of there not being anything newly returned for a while.
ReplyDeleteYeah I'm keen to find out more of what the article says
DeleteIf someone could post the exact wording that would be very useful indeed
DeleteI've scoured the main forums, so far no one has posted the exact wording but I'll keep a weather eye out
DeleteAnneke Wills talking about lost episodes got me excited; we can assume it involves one or more episodes featuring Ben and Polly, so there is a chance for any of the following episodes to return:
ReplyDeleteThe Smugglers 1-4
The Tenth Planet 4
Power Of The Daleks 1-6
The Highlanders 1-4
The Underwater Menace 1 and 4
The Moonbase 1 and 3
The Macra Terror 1-4
The Faceless Ones 2, 4-6
It just occured to me that the bit with Anneke might easily be from a couple of months ago, when rumours were a bit more spread, and it isn't a comment she made TODAY.
ReplyDeleteone thing about DWM they fell for the omnirumour so much that in their older missing episodes specials they said in the editorial that photos were all we had and that the macra do exist. they were obviously expecting nearly all the missing episodes to have been returned. this is not going to happen this time either but we may well get a few episodes. I will be very surprised if another full story is found
ReplyDeleteAnother story with already existing eps could be completed though, say if Underwater menAce is revealed tomorrow with Eps 1 and 4 discovered
DeleteThe return of any episode—even one from an underrated story like The Smugglers or Underwater Menace —would be fantastic. What matters is reducing the number of missing episodes; it makes no difference whether the story has already been animated by the BBC or not. We are talking about the recovery of lost media, so we certainly wouldn't complain if those specific episodes were the ones to return, that would be great.
Delete
ReplyDeleteI’m rooting for the return of any lost episodes; seeing the number of lost episodes reduced and being able to watch them in comfort would be very satisfying. If Anneke is telling the truth, we might see more of Ben and Polly.
Especially ones from Season 4! Only 10 of 43 is such a crying shame, especially when there's near complete runs of three other b/w seasons. More early Troughton as well would be the most fantastic of all, as it's the most underrepresented era.
DeleteSeason 4 holds so many fabulous stories; I would love to see more episodes from this season return. Truly memorable moments belong to this season: the Doctor's first regeneration, Jamie's first appearance, Cybermen on the Moon, giant crabs controlling a human colony, faceless aliens at an airport, and the Doctor being forced to work with the Daleks. I hope that in the coming years we see more of these moments return.
DeleteEven underrated stories have their value; I would really like to see the Doctor talking to Captain Pike, the end of Zaroff, the destruction of Atlantica or Caven acting as a space pirate.
ReplyDeleteI hope collectors are more open to letting Film is Fabulous catalog their collections next year; so many other shows could benefit from the return of lost episodes. It’s good to see people contributing financially to help make things easier for them. I’m really rooting for them, as well as for anyone else trying to recover lost media.
DeleteRiverside Studios screening of UWM 2 and 3 + Faceless Ones 1 and 3 in a couple of weeks? Could this possibly be a chance for the two missing UWM episodes to be returned and screened for the first time in over 50 years, linking up with Anneke Wills' hot whispers claim?
ReplyDeleteIt intrigues me that the two stories missing episodes happen to be Second Doctor ones; why not show stories that are complete—like The Krotons or The Tomb of the Cybermen ?
DeleteIndeed it is intriguing, especially the timing of the DWM interview with Anneke.
DeleteI've also just remembered that Riverside is the first venue where the newly-recovered Master Plan episodes were publicly screened.
DeleteHave I managed to link everything up and maybe maybe possibly be accurate? Gonna be famous lol
DeleteAlso that coincidence about Riverside could be interesting...
And if there is a return would it be a non-FiF one? They were saying a month or two ago they had no lost episodes.
I don't know about a non-FIF return, but the level of coincidence is interesting for sure
DeleteIt really is quite a coincidence—what Anneke Wills said regarding lost episodes. Naturally, she would be most interested in episodes featuring Polly, and now we learn that this event is taking place in October. We should also bear in mind that Film is Fabulous isn't the only group seeking to recover lost episodes; many fans of the series have also played a part in past recoveries. Let's see how this unfolds—it could be interesting.
DeleteAlso maybe they would be screened in place of the Faceless Ones eps?
ReplyDeleteThese two series are interesting; I wish more of their episodes had been recovered.
DeleteEspecially regarding series involving Polly—perhaps we can expect something interesting.
ReplyDeleteMaybe even just a wink-wink? Not sure if Anneke herself will be at the event.
Deleteimagine how many people would turn up IF they listed a lost episode as going to be screened at this event. they could just say lost dr who episode to be shown and not say what it is until they actually put it on the screen.
ReplyDeleteI just remembered there is indeed a precedent for surprise screenings of returned missing episodes - when the BFI showed UWM 2 and G4 3, it was unannounced and a complete surprise to attendees.
DeleteThat really is interesting; we might be able to expect something—or maybe not. Who knows? If there were a surprise, I’m sure no one would object. Back then, the BBC didn’t make an official announcement about these episodes before they aired, so let’s see what happens.
DeleteHow exciting—if there’s even a possibility of a surprise screening happening, that would be incredible.
DeleteAs well as that, one of the very episodes (supposedly) being screened at this event, Faceless Ones 3, I believe was a complete surprise and shock to people at a Patrick Troughton tribute event in 1987, alongside Evil of the Daleks 2.
DeleteOh is that right? Well how poetic would it be then! I didn't mean to stoke hope under false pretenses, I just have always felt we might get something else this year and the factors seem to be lining up. Good chance I'm wrong of course but yes we shall see
DeleteHas anyone noticed that the Planet Mondas Forum has been down for a few days now?
ReplyDeleteHas anyone noticed that the Planet Mondas Forum has been down for several days now? I wanted to check their missing episodes thread for any information about Anneka's comment and the Riverside event, but there's nothing there bar an out of date page for their old news site.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed, but nothing more has been said on any major forum about her comments. Still keeping a lookout. And yes I hope we see PMF back soon
DeleteI had posted the same theory I did here on PMF and did see some initial responses (unfortunately slightly dismissive) but the site went down a day later, annoyingly not fixed since.
DeleteIf you mean the Riverside screening - and if so thank you for the heads up on that - you've at least got me fired up about it and I'm running with it!
DeleteYeah, although now that my theory has sizzled for a few days, I don't think anything is likely to happen, but it was great fun stringing all the coincidences together.
DeleteThe BBC have revealed that the animated edition of missing Doctor Who story The Savages, starring William Hartnell as The Doctor, will land on BBC iPlayer on Saturday 3rd October.
ReplyDeletewho wants an animated savages when the possibility of an episode being found is likely. of course there is also AI which looks more like the real show. lets hope an episode turns up at this riverside event
ReplyDeleteWe're so news-starved that there's a flap about an already existing animated story coming to iPlayer.
DeleteWell, until an actual episode comes out, we have this animation—which I find more satisfying to watch than just static images and audio. As for the use of artificial intelligence, I’m well aware that many people like it, but I still believe there is plenty of room for improvement.
DeleteYeah, not a lot going on right now sadly...
DeleteCould someone let me know if the Planet Mondas forum is back to full operation ? It hadn't been working normally for some time.
ReplyDeleteNo, still going to a spalsh page and that's it. Phantom limb pain...
DeleteI'm nailing my colours to the mast here, and saying I think October may see a little something. I feel like there was supposed to be something earlier but there's been a hold up. This may all be completely wrong on my part but it's my feeling and we shall see.
ReplyDeleteWell, let's be optimistic and hope that something actually happens—even if it's just a recovered episode, an animated version being announced, or even news that they've acquired a collection from a former BBC employee; anything at all would be great.
DeleteAbsolutely
Deletewonder if someone here is able to contact the organizers of riverside and see if they reveal any info. you will either get an outright denial or they will say wait and see, much like what FIF would say.could be worth trying
ReplyDeleteThe thing no one has commented on is that it does not appear to be organised by FIF. All it says is that it's Gav Rymill and James Goss - but under whose auspices? It would help if we knew this, and it's kind of strange that it's being kept mysterious
ReplyDeleteOne thing I noticed is that it lists the duration as 180 minutes, which doesn't make sense for 4 episodes of 25 mins each, even with the introductions and post show stuff. Very interesting.
DeleteWe can certainly say it’s strange; it’s just a matter of time before we find out whether something interesting will happen or not. Of course, I’ll be rooting for something to happen—I’ll never lose hope, as there’s always a chance that something really good might occur.
DeleteMy friends, we can certainly say we wrapped up September on a high note with Film is Fabulous acquiring these collections; we will almost certainly see the recovery of many lost episodes—and if we’re lucky, perhaps something related to Doctor Who. Let’s stay positive and hope for more lost episodes to return to the archives. I won’t lie: I’m truly excited and hopeful about this. May God bless us so we can see more recoveries as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteA lovely sentiment, hear hear!
DeleteThe news about Film is Fabulous is splendid; I can only imagine the kinds of media treasures—series, films, and cartoons—that might be recovered from those collections
ReplyDeleteIt’s really exciting, isn’t it? I won’t lie—we hadn’t had any news or updates for a while, which was disappointing, but I was thrilled to get notifications and see that Film is Fabulous had acquired these collections. It got me wondering what might be in there and just how much content these collections actually hold; I’m really looking forward to further updates on the cataloged collections.
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