BBC accused of being dishonest over Doctor Who filming request at Dorset’s Durdle Door-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

The estate is considering banning the BBC from filming there in future (Picture: BBC)

The BBC has been criticised by the Dorset estate after they were given permission to film for Jodie Whittaker’s final outing in Doctor Who.

Jodie, who made her debut as the first female Time Lord in 2017, bowed out as Thirteen on Sunday as her regeneration occurred, with a whole host of previous Doctors returning for the special episode.

Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will make his debut in 2023, as Russell T Davis also returns to the much-loved sci-fi series.

However, despite the episode being watched by over three million people, the Dorset estate has been left dissatisfied, claiming the BBC were ‘dishonest’ in their filming request.

The episode saw Jodie regenerate into 10th Doctor David Tennant on top of Durdle Door on the privately-owned Lulworth Estate.

Durdle Door has become one of Dorset’s most iconic, most photographed landmarks, and it is open to the public.

Jodie Whittaker has completed her time in the TARDIS after taking on the role of the Time Lord in 2017 (Picture: James Pardon/BBC Studios)

But, in a statement, the estate claimed: ‘When consenting to the use of Durdle Door for an episode of Doctor Who, the BBC decided not to include a proper description of what they intended.’

They added: ‘If we had known we would not have agreed, because of the encouragement that this may give to some of our visitors to put themselves in a dangerous position, the consequences of which have been well documented.’

Adding that the estate always insists on being informed of the details before any filming is given the green light, they claimed ‘no mention was made by the BBC that they were seeking to portray the Tardis and the Doctor on top of Durdle Door.’

The Dorset attraction featured in the regeneration episode on Sunday (Picture: BBC)

Durdle Door has become an iconic landmark in Dorset (Picture: Ben Brain/Digital Camera Magazine/Future via Getty Images)

Lulworth Estate believes the consequences of which could have serious or fatal consequences for staff members and the emergency services.

They said they are ‘disappointed’ that the BBC ‘chose not to be honest’ with their initial request for filming permission.

Now, the estate requests for the BBC to provide an explanation about ‘what we regard as a duplicitous and dishonest request to film.’

There’s talk of banning the BBC from being allowed to film in Lulworth again, but a decision has not been made.

Fans were left stunned when Scottish star David made a spectacular return to the franchise this weekend, as it became apparent that he was the 14th regeneration, meaning Ncuti will play Fifteen next year.

David Tennant, aka the 10th Doctor, returned for Jodie’s final outing (Picture: BBC Studios)

The episode also showed Jodie’s Doctor bidding farewell to companion Yaz, played by Mandip Gill, who was with her from the beginning.

Showrunner Chris Chibnall has said of Jodie’s exit: ‘She changed the game. She changed history in terms of Doctor Who. I think what she’s brought is a Doctor Who full of hope, and positivity and generosity and I think that these times really needed that.

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‘I think she’s shown off her incredible sort of clowning side, the humour that she can do, which maybe some people didn’t know her for beforehand. I think she’s enriched the character of the Doctor, as all actors who play the Doctor do, but it’s an incredibly bold and brave performance.’

He added: ‘She took responsibility for the Doctor being a woman, she took it on her shoulders and represented and that was not a given, that was her strength and decision and power. I think she has been utterly magnificent, she exceeded all of our expectations.’

The BBC has been contacted for comment.

Doctor Who will return to BBC One in 2023.

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