'Doctor Who' Series 12 Episode 5 sees the return of an iconic former companion from the Russell T Davies era

Over the years, the Doctor has had a number of companions, some who were lost in the line of duty and others who moved on to pursue their own paths across the universe
Jodie Whittaker (BBC America)
Jodie Whittaker (BBC America)

This article contains spoilers for 'Doctor Who' Series 12 Episode 5 'Fugitive of the Judoon'

Over the years, the Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) has had a number of companions, some who were lost in the line of duty and others who moved on to pursue their own paths across the universe.

In the latest episode of 'Doctor Who', one of these former companions from the Russell T Davies era makes his triumphant return: the ever-popular Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman).

A former Time Agent and con man turned immortal traveler, Jack Harkness first met the Doctor during his ninth incarnation, back in 2005.

Since then he has been a recurring character, a fan-favorite who eventually went on to star in the spin-off series 'Torchwood' though fans have been eagerly hoping for his return to 'Doctor Who' for years and apparently, so has Barrowman.

John Barrowman in Doctor Who (BBC America)

"It feels absolutely amazing," the actor told RadioTimes.com. "I've always been holding the torch to eventually bring Jack back because I know the love that the fanbase and the Whovians around the world have for him."

Barrowman's return to the show was kept tightly under wraps and the actor had anticipated that his return might cause something of an uproar among Whovians. "They wanted to keep it fresh, but also this is probably one of the biggest returns if I can say so myself," Barrowman said.

"The internet is going to blow up. Because as soon as he appears onscreen… everybody in the UK's going to tell everybody in the US, and the US is going to tell everybody in South America. Then it's going to go to China, and then it's going to go all over the place. The whole world is going to go mad. I hope – I could be wrong – but I hope that Jack is trending worldwide when it happens."

'Doctor Who' Series 12 airs new episodes every Sunday at 8 pm ET only on BBC America.

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