Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jamie Roberts

BBC faces filming ban after shooting 'dangerous' Doctor Who scene at iconic landmark

The BBC could have landed itself in hot water after filming scenes for Doctor Who at an iconic landmark in Dorset.

Bosses chose to film Jodie Whittaker being regenerated into the former David Tennant on top of Durdle Door, sparking a safety row.

Fans watched on on Sunday as the episode aired on BBC. But, while the 200ft limestone arch is popular with tourists - attracting thousands each year - it is also a known hotspot for daredevils to try "tombstoning".

The action sees adrenaline seekers scale the landmark and jump the huge distance into the water below. In 2020, at least three people were seriously injured attempting the jump.

And the fear is that, despite BBC asking owners of the Lulworth Estate for permission to film the scenes, fans could now flock to the area.

The BBC was criticised for not revealing their filming plans (BBC)

Special effects were used while filming using drones, meaning no actors actually scaled the arch. However, it's been said that had the BBC provided an accurate description of what they had planned, the scenes would not have gone ahead.

James Weld, whose family has owned the land since 1641, explained to The Sun that the filming request would have been denied and claimed he may now turn down any future filming requests from the BBC.

Fans of Doctor Who were stunned by David Tennant's reappearance (BBC)

He said: "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.

"We are disappointed that the BBC chose not to be honest with us."

A spokesman for the company responded saying the scenes had to be a tightly kept secret and added that they weren't asked how the location was going to be filmed after they were granted filming permission using a drone.

Durdle Door is a popular tourist attraction (Getty Images)

Fans of Doctor Who went wild at the debut of the 14th Doctor. In May, it was revealed that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa was set to take charge of the TARDIS and in Sunday night's episode Jodie Whittaker, who has been playing the 13th Doctor, waved goodbye to the role as she regenerated.

However, fans were left stunned by the appearance of 10th Doctor David Tennant instead of Ncuti.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.