View source for Dimensions in Time

{{Short description|1993 Doctor Who charity special}}
{{good article}}
{{italic title}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2025}}
{{Infobox Doctor Who episode
| serial_name        = Dimensions in Time
| show               = DW
| type               = serial and charity crossover with ''EastEnders''
| image              =RadioTimes cover 1993 DoctorWho DimensionsInTime.png 
| caption            =18 November 1993 ''[[Radio Times]]'' cover promoting the special{{sfn|Ainsworth|2019|p=90}} 
| doctors            =
* [[Sylvester McCoy]] – [[Seventh Doctor]]
* [[Colin Baker]] – [[Sixth Doctor]]
* [[Peter Davison]] – [[Fifth Doctor]]
* [[Tom Baker]] – [[Fourth Doctor]]
* [[Jon Pertwee]] – [[Third Doctor]]
| companions         =
* [[Sophie Aldred]] – [[Ace (Doctor Who)|Ace]]
* [[John Leeson]] – Voice of [[K9 (Doctor Who)|K9]]
* [[Bonnie Langford]] – [[Melanie Bush]]
* [[Nicola Bryant]] – [[Peri Brown]]
* [[Sarah Sutton]] – [[Nyssa (Doctor Who)|Nyssa]]
* [[Lalla Ward]] – [[Romana (Doctor Who)|Romana]]
* [[Louise Jameson]] – [[Leela (Doctor Who)|Leela]]
* [[Elisabeth Sladen]] – [[Sarah Jane Smith]]
* [[Richard Franklin (actor)|Richard Franklin]] – [[Mike Yates|Captain Mike Yates]]
* [[Caroline John]] – [[Liz Shaw]]
* [[Nicholas Courtney]] – [[Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart]]
* [[Deborah Watling]] – [[Victoria Waterfield]]
* [[Carole Ann Ford]] – [[Susan Foreman]]
| guests             = 
*[[Kate O'Mara]] – [[The Rani]]
*[[Samuel West]] – [[Cyrian (Doctor Who)|Cyrian]]
*[[Deepak Verma]] – [[Sanjay Kapoor (EastEnders)|Sanjay Kapoor]]
*[[Shobu Kapoor]] – [[Gita Kapoor]]
*[[Wendy Richard]] – [[Pauline Fowler]]
*[[Gillian Taylforth]] – [[Kathy Beale]]
*[[Letitia Dean]] – [[Sharon Watts]]
*[[Pam St. Clement]] – [[Pat Butcher]]
*[[Nicola Stapleton]] – [[Mandy Salter]]
*[[Mike Reid (actor)|Mike Reid]] – [[Frank Butcher]]
*[[Adam Woodyatt]] – [[Ian Beale]]
*[[Steve McFadden]] – [[Phil Mitchell]]
*[[Ross Kemp]] – [[Grant Mitchell (EastEnders)|Grant Mitchell]]
*[[Jane Slaughter (actress)|Jane Slaughter]] – [[Tracey (EastEnders)|Tracey]]
* Rachel Hiew – [[List of EastEnders characters (1993)#Sylvia Weng-Chung|Sylvia Weng-Chung]]
| director           = Stuart McDonald
| writer             = [[John Nathan-Turner]]<br/>David Roden
| producer           = John Nathan-Turner
| composer           = [[Keff McCulloch]]
| production_code    = C280X<ref name=bbc/>
| length             = 2 episodes, 7 minutes and 5 minutes
| started            = {{Start date|1993|11|26|df=y}}
| ended              = {{End date|1993|11|27|df=y}}
| preceding          = ''[[Survival (Doctor Who)|Survival]]''
| following          = ''[[Doctor Who (film)|Doctor Who]]''
}}
'''''Dimensions in Time''''' is a charity [[television special]] [[fictional crossover|crossover]] between the [[science fiction television|science fiction]] series ''[[Doctor Who]]'' and the [[soap opera]] ''[[EastEnders]],'' broadcast in two parts on 26 and 27 November 1993 for ''[[Children in Need]]''. In celebration of ''Doctor Who''<nowiki/>'s 30th anniversary, it features every surviving actor to have played [[The Doctor (Doctor Who)|the Doctor]] as well as several of the character's [[Companion (Doctor Who)|companions]]. In this special, the amoral scientist [[the Rani]] ([[Kate O'Mara]]) traps various incarnations of the Doctor ([[Sylvester McCoy]], [[Colin Baker]], [[Peter Davison]], [[Tom Baker]] and [[Jon Pertwee]]) in a [[time loop]] in [[Albert Square]].

''Doctor Who'' was put on hiatus in 1989. A 30th anniversary "multi-Doctor" special, ''[[List of unmade Doctor Who serials and films#Lost in the Dark Dimension|The Dark Dimension]]'', began development in mid-1992 but fell through by July 1993. In May 1993, producer [[John Nathan-Turner]] was asked to produce a ''Doctor Who'' sketch for the charity ''Children in Need''. The script, co-written by Nathan-Turner and David Roden, went through many iterations due to the changing availability of the cast. A crossover with ''EastEnders'' was pitched to guarantee publicity for ''Children in Need'' and to allow the production to film on existing sets.

The special was filmed in [[3D television|3D]] on location at [[Greenwich]] and the ''EastEnders'' Albert Square set in September 1993. None of the cast or crew were paid for their work due to an agreement with [[Equity (British trade union)|Equity]]. ''Dimensions in Time'' was universally panned by both critics and fans, with criticism aimed at the plot, special effects and cameos from the contemporary cast of ''EastEnders''. Due to ''Children in Need''<nowiki/>'s high licensing fees, it is unlikely to ever receive a [[home video]] release. It is not considered "[[Canon (fiction)|canon]]" to the [[Whoniverse|''Doctor Who'' universe]].

== Plot ==
<!--Plot summaries should have no more than 400 words per MOS:TVPLOT-->
[[The Rani]] ([[Kate O'Mara]]) plans to trap [[the Doctor]] in a time loop in [[East End of London|London's East End]]; she has already ensnared his [[First Doctor|first]] and [[Second Doctor|second incarnations]] in a time tunnel. The [[Fourth Doctor]] ([[Tom Baker]]) warns his other incarnations.

The [[Seventh Doctor]] ([[Sylvester McCoy]]) and [[Ace (Doctor Who)|Ace]] ([[Sophie Aldred]]) are confused when the [[TARDIS]] lands near ''[[Cutty Sark]]'' in 1973. Time jumps and Ace finds herself in 1993 [[Albert Square]] with the [[Sixth Doctor]] ([[Colin Baker]]). They speak to local resident [[Sanjay Kapoor (EastEnders)|Sanjay]] ([[Deepak Verma]]) and his wife [[Gita Kapoor|Gita]] ([[Shobu Kapoor]]).

Following another time jump, the [[Third Doctor]] ([[Jon Pertwee]]) and [[Mel Bush]] ([[Bonnie Langford]]) learn from an older [[Pauline Fowler]] ([[Wendy Richard]]) and [[Kathy Beale]] ([[Gillian Taylforth]]) that it is 2013. Another time jump occurs. In 1973, the Sixth Doctor tells [[Susan Foreman]] ([[Carole Ann Ford]]) he feels he is being pulled backwards in time, with his companions being drawn back with him.

In 2013, [[Sarah Jane Smith]] ([[Elisabeth Sladen]]) finds the Third Doctor after chatting with [[Sharon Watts]] ([[Letitia Dean]]). He deduces that an operator is utilising [[time distortion]] to trap him in a 20-year time loop of the years 1973, 1993 and 2013. The Rani releases her menagerie of alien specimens to distract the Doctor. The menagerie attack the [[Fifth Doctor]] ([[Peter Davison]]), [[Nyssa (Doctor Who)|Nyssa]] ([[Sarah Sutton]]) and [[Perpugilliam Brown|Peri]] ([[Nicola Bryant]]) in 1993, and after failing to warn [[Pat Butcher]] ([[Pam St Clement]]) of the danger, the Rani stops them outside the [[Queen Vic]].

The Fifth Doctor summons his remaining selves and becomes the Third Doctor. [[Mandy Salter]] ([[Nicola Stapleton]]) helps [[Liz Shaw]] ([[Caroline John]]) run from the Rani. [[Mike Yates]] ([[Richard Franklin (actor)|Richard Franklin]]) arrives in the Doctor's car Bessie to take him to [[Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart]] ([[Nicholas Courtney]]). The Third Doctor becomes the [[Sixth Doctor]] after another time jump, and says farewell to the Brigadier. At the Arches in 1993, [[Phil Mitchell|Phil]] ([[Steve McFadden]]) and [[Grant Mitchell (EastEnders)|Grant Mitchell]] ([[Ross Kemp]]) find [[Romana (Doctor Who)|Romana]] ([[Lalla Ward]]) looking for the Doctor. The Rani captures her in front of [[Frank Butcher]] ([[Mike Reid (actor)|Mike Reid]]). The Third Doctor returns to the TARDIS with [[Victoria Waterfield]] ([[Deborah Watling]]), explaining that the Rani's control is breaking down.

The Seventh Doctor meets [[Leela (Doctor Who)|Leela]] ([[Louise Jameson]]), who has escaped from the Rani's menagerie. Alongside Ace and [[K9 (Doctor Who)|K9]] ([[John Leeson]]), the Doctor overrides the Rani's computer by harnessing the time tunnel's power, sending the Rani into the time tunnel and freeing all the Doctor's incarnations.

==Production==

=== Background ===
''Doctor Who'' was put on hiatus after the broadcast of [[Doctor Who season 26|season 26]] in 1989,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffery |first=Morgan |date=3 December 2019 |title=Doctor Who's ex-script editor says the BBC 'ghosted' the show in 1989 |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-cancellation/ |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> but its producer, [[John Nathan-Turner]], continued to work on various ''Doctor Who''-related [[BBC]] projects on a freelance basis.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|p=87}}{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=27}} According to Nathan-Turner's memoir, as early as 1990 he pitched a [[direct-to-video]] ''Doctor Who'' special to mark the series' 30th anniversary in November 1993. Nathan-Turner continued pitching throughout 1991 and 1992, and on two occasions costed the project to prove it could be produced economically.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|p=88}} In a memo to Penny Mills (Head of Video Production for [[BBC Enterprises]]) on 18 February 1992, he mentioned the special alongside other proposed video releases which could commemorate the 30th anniversary year.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|pp=87–88}}

==== ''The Dark Dimension'' ====
{{Further|List of unmade Doctor Who serials and films#Lost in the Dark Dimension}}
During the production and launch of the VHS release of ''[[Shada (Doctor Who)|Shada]]'' in February 1992, [[Tom Baker]] expressed his willingness to return for a new ''Doctor Who'' story.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|pp=88–89}} [[List of Doctor Who home video releases|''Doctor Who'' video sales]] were a regular source of profit for BBC Enterprises, and on 28 May 1992 a meeting was chaired to examine a "long-term strategy for the continual exploitation of the programme". It was noted that producing an original special would "be giving something back to the fans and not just extracting money from them". Writer [[Adrian Rigelsford]] was approached and hired to develop the rough story, which at that time involved a dying [[Fourth Doctor]] uniting with a group of children to fight an [[ecological disaster]].{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|p=89}}

In early June, a meeting was convened to discuss production of a 90-minute direct-to-video ''Doctor Who'' special, with Tom Baker being the sole actor to return as the Doctor. Within a short period of time, it was suggested that the incumbent [[Seventh Doctor]] ([[Sylvester McCoy]]) could be involved; Tom Baker then proposed the involvement of all surviving actors who played [[the Doctor]] in supporting roles.{{efn|Tom Baker's incarnation was always meant to be the main focus of the story. John Freeman (editor of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'') suggested starting the special during the events of ''[[Logopolis]]'' (1981), where shortly before the Fourth Doctor's fatal fall he would be transported into a mysterious dimension.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|pp=89, 91}} This would explain Tom Baker's older appearance.<ref name=":7"/>}} Rigelsford completed his outline of the special, titled ''Timeflyers'', by 21 July.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|p=89|pp=}} [[Graeme Harper]], who directed the serials ''[[The Caves of Androzani]]'' (1984)<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Dan |date=2013-08-09 |title=The Caves of Androzani: Doctor Who classic episode #12 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2013/aug/09/the-caves-of-androzani-doctor-who |access-date=2025-11-03 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> and ''[[Revelation of the Daleks]]'' (1985),<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Mulkern |first=Patrick |date=15 June 2012 |title=Revelation of the Daleks ★★★★ |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-guide/revelation-of-the-daleks/ |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> was excited by the script and agreed to direct.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|p=|pp=91, 110}} Budget and script discussions were held through August and September 1992, and a location recce was held on 8 September.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|p=91}} However, budget issues and BBC Enterprises' lack of production experience caused major setbacks.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|pp=91–92}}<ref name=":7">{{Cite magazine |last=Preddle |first=Jon |date=June 1995 |title=Inside The Dark Dimension |url=https://doctorwho.org.nz/archive/tsv44/darkdimension.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250111112123/https://doctorwho.org.nz/archive/tsv44/darkdimension.html |archive-date=11 January 2025 |magazine=Time/Space Visualiser}}</ref> The other Doctor actors were unenthusiastic about the script, retitled ''The Dark Dimension''. [[Colin Baker]] criticised the other Doctors' lack of screen time, and [[Jon Pertwee]] and [[Sylvester McCoy]] later commented that a more experienced writer should have been involved. Pertwee and [[Peter Davison]] were unhappy that the production team contacted them directly instead of through their agents.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|p=112}}<ref name=":7" /> Nathan-Turner pitched his proposed ''Doctor Who'' special again in late 1992, apparently unaware of ''The Dark Dimension''. In early 1993 he declined the role of script consultant on ''The Dark Dimension''.{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=27}}

On 10 June 1993, BBC Enterprises formally confirmed the upcoming production of ''The Dark Dimension'' starring Tom Baker, with Harper to direct.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|p=87}}{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=27}} The shooting script was finalised on 21 June, and with the special now aimed for broadcast instead of video, [[Alan Yentob]] greenlit the special with a delivery date of 27 November.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|pp=100–101}} Budget issues continued to plague the production, and on 9 July, ''The Dark Dimension'' was cancelled for "financial and logistical reasons".{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|pp=87, 107, 110}}<ref name=":7" /> [[Philip Segal]] claimed responsibility for the cancellation, as he wanted to avoid drawing attention from the new ''Doctor Who'' [[Television pilot|television series pilot]] he was developing in the United States (this manifested in 1996 as [[Doctor Who (film)|''Doctor Who: The Movie'']]), though this narrative has been debunked by researcher Richard Bignell.{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|p=111}}<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2017 |editor-last=Ainsworth |editor-first=John |title=Doctor Who (The TV Movie) |url= |magazine=Doctor Who: The Complete History |publisher=[[Panini Comics]], [[Hachette Book Group|Hachette Partworks]]}}</ref>

=== Writing ===
[[File:Jnt86b.jpg|thumb|[[John Nathan-Turner]] co-wrote and produced the charity special.]]
In May 1993, ''[[Children in Need]]'' editor Nick Handel invited Nathan-Turner to make a five-minute 3D ''Doctor Who'' sketch for the organisation's annual [[telethon]] broadcast.{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=27}} Nathan-Turner thought of turning down the offer but was persuaded by his agent to make the sketch his "swansong", since he didn't have the chance to leave ''Doctor Who'' on his own terms in 1989.{{sfn|Nathan-Turner|1994|p=17}}{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=27}} Nathan-Turner sought a "talented, yet relatively inexperienced co-writer" who could enthusiastically adapt to the myriad of requests typical of ''Children in Need'' productions.{{sfn|Nathan-Turner|1994|p=18}} He approached David Roden, a 22-year-old aspiring writer with no professional experience, with an open brief to write the charity special.{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=1:12–1:42, 7:10–7:21}} Roden's initial concept, ''Destination: Holocaust'', which involved the [[Seventh Doctor]] and [[Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart]] battling [[Cybermen]] in a church, was considered too expensive for the allocated budget.{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=1:40–2:30, 3:18–3:32}}{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=28}} Nathan-Turner wanted a more nostalgic feel for the special, and also wanted to involve multiple [[List of Doctor Who universe creatures and aliens|monsters]] to make use of existing costumes.{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=28}} Another low-cost concept was set entirely in the TARDIS featuring the Seventh Doctor and [[Ace (Doctor Who)|Ace]] facing an alien which fed off nightmares. One underdeveloped story idea involved [[Moai|Easter Island heads]].{{Sfn|Bignell|2012|p=88}}

It was originally thought that only the Seventh Doctor would appear, but in recognition of the upcoming 30th anniversary, Nathan-Turner and Handel decided to involve as many of the Doctor's incarnations as possible.{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=28}} ''Doctor Who'' traditionally celebrated its past anniversaries with "multi-Doctor" stories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gladman |first=Andrew |date=2024-12-15 |title=Doctor Who: Every Multi-Doctor Story, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/doctor-who-multi-doctor-episodes/ |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fullerton |first=Huw |date=27 September 2021 |title=Doctor Who's 60th anniversary: What could Russell T Davies do in 2023? |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-60-2023-russell-t-davies/ |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=Radio Times |language=en-GB}}</ref> ''[[The Three Doctors (Doctor Who)|The Three Doctors]]'' (1972–1973) and "[[The Five Doctors]]" (1983) featured past incarnations of the Doctor interacting with the incumbent incarnation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mulkern |first=Patrick |date=13 January 2010 |title=The Three Doctors ★★★★★ |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-guide/the-three-doctors/ |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Mulkern |first=Patrick |date=22 February 2012 |title=The Five Doctors ★★★★ |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/blog/2012-02-22/the-five-doctors |access-date=5 May 2017 |work=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref> Roden was also requested to involve as many [[Companion (Doctor Who)|companions]] and [[Doctor Who monsters|monsters]] from the series as possible.{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=5:00–5:20}} Per [[Nicholas Courtney]]'s request, the Brigadier was depicted interacting with the [[Sixth Doctor]], as Colin Baker was the only ''Doctor Who'' lead Courtney hadn't shared a scene with on the series.{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=21:20–21:59}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hadoke |first=Toby |date=2011-02-23 |title=Nicholas Courtney obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2011/feb/23/nicholas-courtney-obituary |access-date=2025-11-11 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Nathan-Turner wanted to call the special ''3-Dimensions of Time''; Roden changed it to ''The Dimensions of Time''.{{sfn|Nathan-Turner|1994|p=18}}{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=29}} It was retitled ''Dimensions in Time'' when it was discovered that "The Dimensions of Time" was an episode from the 1965 serial ''[[The Space Museum]]''.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=36}}{{Quote box
| quote = I'm incredibly proud of having been involved with it. I'm also deeply embarrassed by the end result. I mean, it is just a mess.{{sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=5:58–6:29}}
| source = —screenwriter David Roden on ''Dimensions in Time'' in 2015
| align = 
| width = 25%
| quoted = 
}}In a 2015 interview, Roden discussed the difficulty of shouldering the numerous requests made on the script, stating that he felt "heavily pressured" by Nathan-Turner's demands and describing the completed special as a "mess".{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=5:58–6:29, 6:50–6:58}} [[Anthony Ainley]] declined an offer to return as [[The Master (Doctor Who)|the Master]], possibly due to a personal clash with Nathan-Turner.{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=27:00–27:59}} In his stead, [[Kate O'Mara]] agreed to return as [[the Rani]], the ruthless villain she portrayed in ''[[The Mark of the Rani]]'' (1985) and ''[[Time and the Rani]]'' (1987).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffery |first=Morgan |date=17 May 2025 |title=Who is the Rani? Doctor Who reveals Mrs Flood's identity |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-mrs-flood-the-rani-explained/ |access-date=2025-11-05 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="New Rani">{{cite web |date=26 June 2014 |title=''Doctor Who'': The New Rani |url=http://bigfinish.com/news/v/the-new-rani |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030005622/http://www.bigfinish.com/news/v/the-new-rani |archive-date=30 October 2015 |access-date=23 October 2015 |publisher=[[Big Finish Productions]]}}</ref> The production team behind [[light entertainment]] show ''[[Noel's House Party]]'' wanted to be involved with ''Children in Need'', so ''Dimensions in Time'' gained another episode which could be shown during that programme.{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=5:40–5:57}}{{sfn|Nathan-Turner|1994|p=17}}{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=28}}

Nathan-Turner suggested that the special could [[Crossover (fiction)|crossover]] with popular BBC [[soap opera]] ''[[EastEnders]]'' to satisfy Handel's request to guarantee press attention. This could also save budget by enabling the production to film on the existing [[Albert Square]] set.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=28}}{{sfn|Nathan-Turner|1994|p=17}} ''EastEnders'' producer [[Leonard Lewis]] was not amenable to the idea as the filming would disrupt his production schedule. He allowed Nathan-Turner only one day to film at Albert Square, which was not enough time due to the complicated nature of filming in 3D.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=|pp=28–29}} Major rewrites were in order. Roden devised a new script, titled ''The Endgame'', involving the [[The Celestial Toymaker|Celestial Toymaker]] in an amusement park. Roden recently acted in ''[[Wittgenstein (film)|Wittgenstein]]'' (1993) with [[Michael Gough]], who played the Toymaker in the [[The Celestial Toymaker|1966 serial]], and he felt he could persuade Gough to reprise the role.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=29}} Roden suggested that the Toymaker could facilitate a multi-Doctor storyline by plucking the various Doctors from their timestreams, but there were concerns it would be too similar to "The Five Doctors".{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=3:32–4:26}} According to Roden, Gough at first agreed to return but later declined, either due to unavailability or disinterest in the script. ''The Endgame'' was ultimately scrapped and development returned to ''Dimensions in Time''.{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=27:00–27:59}}

Handel suggested that the sketch could be shot for 3D viewing, as ''Children in Need'' wanted to feature prominently in BBC1's planned "3D week".{{sfn|Nathan-Turner|1994|p=17}} The script was rewritten to include more action and movement to fully exploit the 3D [[Pulfrich effect]], following a review by 3D experts from Germany.{{sfn|Pixley|2002|pp=28–29}} An opening scene where the Rani's assistant captures a wounded Cyberman was cut in the revised 1 August script.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=30}} Tom Baker was originally scripted to appear in Albert Square similarly to the other Doctors, however he wanted his part in the script to be more unique.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=|pp=31–32}} Ten years earlier he pulled out of the multi-Doctor special "The Five Doctors" over his displeasure in "playing 20 per cent of the part [of the Doctor]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Paul |date=14 April 2014 |title=Tom Baker: I'd do more Doctor Who |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-04-14/tom-baker-id-do-more-doctor-who/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614052431/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-04-14/tom-baker-id-do-more-doctor-who/ |archive-date=14 June 2018 |access-date=16 August 2020 |work=Radio Times}}</ref> He suggested he could introduce the story by doing a piece to camera. Nathan-Turner and Roden adapted the idea into an opening scene where the Fourth Doctor is trapped in a black hole and calling on the Time Lords for help.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=|pp=31–32}} The day before filming, Tom Baker was still unhappy with the script, necessitating Roden to hastily rewrite the Fourth Doctor's monologue.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=33}}

=== Casting ===
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| perrow            = 3
| total_width       = 300
| image1            = Jon_Pertwee_(cropped_to_collar).jpg
| image2            = Tom Baker, Whovent 1986 (cropped).jpg
| image3            = Peter Davison 2016.jpg
| image4            = Colin_Baker,_Whovent_1986_2.jpg
| image5            = Sylvester McCoy Doctor (cropped).jpg
| footer            = The five surviving actors who led ''Doctor Who'' appeared in the special. Top: [[Jon Pertwee]], [[Tom Baker]], [[Peter Davison]]. Bottom: [[Colin Baker]], [[Sylvester McCoy]]
}}
Handel was cognisant that a ''Doctor Who''/''EastEnders'' crossover would be a highlight of ''Children in Need''<nowiki/>'s telethon, and he pushed the two production teams to compromise on a deal. Nathan-Turner phoned actress [[Wendy Richard]] and pitched her the idea of playing her character [[Pauline Fowler]] at different ages; Richard agreed and soon fellow actresses [[Letitia Dean]] and [[Gillian Taylforth]] were keen to be involved. [[Pam St Clement]], [[Mike Reid (actor)|Mike Reid]], [[Ross Kemp]] and [[Steve McFadden]] were also interested in the crossover and written into the script. Ultimately the ''EastEnders'' production team allowed ''Dimensions in Time'' two days to film on Albert Square: 22 and 23 September.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=|pp=29–30}}

The revised script on 8 September noted on its cover: "Due to the large number of artists involved in this project, and their availability, this script is subject to change". For this reason, scenes were scripted so that the Doctors and [[Companion (Doctor Who)|companions]] would be interchangeable.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=|pp=31–33}} 32 of the 34 actors involved had other acting jobs during filming.{{sfn|Nathan-Turner|1994|p=18}}{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=33}} Per a deal between the BBC and [[Equity (British trade union)|Equity]], the cast (and crew) were unpaid on the condition that their work would never be re-broadcast or commercially exploited.<ref name=":4" />{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=33}}

''Dimensions in Time'' features all five of the surviving actors who led ''Doctor Who'', in addition to several actors who played companions or supporting characters. This was the first time that [[Tom Baker]], [[Peter Davison]] and [[Colin Baker]] portrayed the Doctor in a televised episode since leaving the series.<ref name=":6" /> However as pre-production began, not every actor was available for filming. McCoy and Davison had prior commitments, and Tom Baker was hesitant to be involved as he disliked the script. It was suggested that any actors' absence could be explained by having them be captured in the Rani's time tunnel.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=30}} Davison became available shortly before filming,{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=33}} and McCoy's scenes were moved to [[Greenwich]] to accommodate his schedule.{{sfn|Pixley|2002|pp=30, 32}}

Several companion actors were unable to appear. [[Katy Manning]] was overseas during filming,{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=31}} and [[Mary Tamm]] and [[Frazer Hines]] were busy acting in other programmes. [[Carole Ann Ford]] replaced Hines with only one day's notice.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|pp=33–34}} [[Janet Fielding]] agreed to appear but later declined as she felt uncomfortable returning to acting after three years.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|pp=32–33}} [[Ian McKellen]] turned down the role of the Rani's assistant. [[Samuel West]], a long-time fan of ''Doctor Who'', was ultimately cast in the role, named Cyrian ("Sir Ian").<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Griffin |first=Louise |date=25 February 2024 |title=Samuel West on replacing Ian McKellen in Doctor Who charity special |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-samuel-west-ian-mckellen-dimensions-in-time-exclusive-newsupdate/ |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Adam Woodyatt]], a huge ''Doctor Who'' fan, was disappointed that his studio schedule meant he was unable to appear as his ''EastEnders'' character [[Ian Beale]]. Nevertheless he made a brief appearance as a nonspeaking background extra in the shot of the Mitchell brothers crossing the playground.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=35}}

=== Filming ===
[[File:EastEnders Title Card (Licence Free).png|thumb|''Dimensions in Time'' shot on ''[[EastEnders]]''<nowiki/>' Albert Square set in September 1993.]]
With a budget of £45,000, filming began on 21 September at [[Fountain Studios|Fountain TV Studios]] in [[New Malden]].{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|pp=30, 33}} The Rani and Cyrian's scenes were filmed first, with the Fourth Doctor's lone scene recorded after noon.{{Sfn|Tucker|1994|p=41}}{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=27:56–28:09}} It was planned for the Rani's TARDIS set to be constructed in miniature, with Kate O'Mara and the console composited via [[Colour-separation overlay|CSO]], but since the 3D filming process made compositing too difficult, a replica of the TARDIS set constructed for ''PanoptiCon '93'' was used. The console was newly cast in black fibreglass from the original 1983 console moulds.{{Sfn|Tucker|1994|pp=40–41}}

Filming with Tom Baker had its challenges. Nathan-Turner was aware that Tom Baker would likely refuse to wear his Fourth Doctor costume if asked directly, and surreptitiously arranged for the costume to be left in the actor's dressing room as they were talking.{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=18:05–19:59}}{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=34}} On set, Tom Baker suggested that, at the conclusion of his scene, the Fourth Doctor could scream and turn to reveal a bullet hole in his face. Nathan-Turner was not pleased with the idea and, as a compromise, a question mark bruise was added to his right cheek. Baker revised his lines during filming and elected to speak into a microphone rather than at the camera.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=34}} The day concluded with visual effects artist Mike Tucker recording explosion assets.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=34}}{{Sfn|Tucker|1994|pp=40–42}}

22 and 23 September were spent filming on the Albert Square set in [[Elstree]].{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=34}} Small charges were let off in front of the camera as part of the "time jump" effect.{{Sfn|Tucker|1994|p=41}} Colin Baker's scenes were shot first, followed by Davison's scenes.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=34}} Andrew Beech, former coordinator of the [[Doctor Who Appreciation Society|''Doctor Who'' Appreciation Society]], assembled fans who owned original and replica monster costumes to play the Rani's alien menagerie.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|pp=30, 35}} These fans wore the costumes themselves and gave their time for free; Beech himself played the Time Lord on Albert Square and in the Rani's TARDIS.{{Sfn|Howe|Walker|1999|p=123}}{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=33}} Many of the older original costumes were fragile and needed maintenance throughout filming.{{Sfn|Tucker|1994|p=42}} A [[Dalek]] prop was filmed at Albert Square as part of the menagerie, but this was removed from the edit as Roger Hancock ([[Terry Nation]]'s agent) did not allow the production to use the Daleks.{{sfn|Pixley|2002|pp=31, 35}}<ref name=":8" /> Pertwee began filming his scenes in the afternoon.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=35}} According to Roden, Pertwee complained that he did not understand the plot and thus read his lines off of boards.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=35}}{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=31:00–33:27}} Filming on 23 September began with Romana being dragged into the [[Queen Vic]]. [[Lalla Ward]], McFadden and Kemp similarly protested that they did not understand the plot. Pertwee was the only Doctor on set this day.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=35}}

The final day of exterior filming, 24 September, took place in Greenwich.{{Sfn|Tucker|1994|p=42}}{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=36}} On-set footage was recorded by crew from ''[[Tomorrow's World]]''. Filming began at ''[[Cutty Sark]]'' at 8:30am with the Seventh Doctor and Ace arriving in the TARDIS. McCoy was exhausted after performing in a recently-opened production of ''The Invisible Man'' at [[Churchill Theatre]] in [[Bromley]].{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=|pp=35–37}} According to [[Louise Jameson]], McCoy arrived to filming slightly late and slightly hung over, only to find that, in his absence, the other Doctors had reassigned many of their [[technobabble]] lines to him.<ref>{{cite video |title=The Talons of Weng-Chiang |date=2003 |medium=DVD |publisher=[[BBC Worldwide]] |location=Commentary by Louise Jameson, John Bennett, Christopher Benjamin, David Maloney and Philip Hinchcliffe}}</ref> McCoy recalled ''The Dark Dimension''<nowiki/>'s cancellation by declaring "I don’t understand why those BBC Enterprises people can’t get us all together for love nor money, but when JN-T makes a few calls, we're all here with our boots blacked — doing it for nothing!" Pertwee and [[Deborah Watling]]'s scene on ''Cutty Sark'' was delayed due to a fire. Watling wore a long cloak to hide that her arm was in plaster - she had broken it a few days earlier using her nephew's [[Rollerblade|rollerblades]]. Afterwards the crew moved to the [[Royal Naval College, Greenwich|Royal Naval College]]. Lt Commander Malcolm Fewtrell granted the production permission to film in the high security area in exchange for a signed photograph of Kate O'Mara. This is where the scenes featuring the Brigadier and the UNIT helicopter were recorded.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=36}} Although Pertwee wanted to jump aboard the helicopter himself, Nathan-Turner refused; Pertwee's regular ''Doctor Who'' stunt double [[Terry Walsh (actor)|Terry Walsh]] performed the stunt.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=|pp=33, 36}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greaves |first=Paul |date=2025-04-04 |title=Devon man accused of Doctor Who actor fraud |url=https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/devon-man-accused-doctor-who-10074131 |access-date=2025-11-17 |website=Devon Live |language=en}}</ref> Courtney, still in his Brigadier costume, had lunch with Roden at a nearby pub and was recognised by the bartender.{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=22:20–24:00}}

The final scenes of the special were filmed at the [[National Maritime Museum]], [[Queen's House]] and the [[Royal Observatory, Greenwich|Royal Observatory]].{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=36}} Jameson insisted she would not wear her original [[Leela (Doctor Who)|Leela]] costume, so with little time to plan, costume designer Ken Trew hired a [[Native American]] outfit.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|pp=30, 36}} The last scene filmed was also the chronologically last scene of the special with the Seventh Doctor, Ace and [[K9 (Doctor Who)|K9]].{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=36}} The sixteen-year-old K9 prop broke during filming and had to be pulled through the shot on fishing line.{{Sfn|Tucker|1994|p=42}}

Special effects model filming ran from 25 to 27 September at [[Television Centre, London]]. This included the Rani's space station, the futuristic 2013 train and the [[First Doctor|First]] and [[Second Doctor]]'s floating heads.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=36}} The original plan was for the floating heads to be depicted via existing footage of [[William Hartnell]] and [[Patrick Troughton]]. However those 2D clips would not easily composite into the newly-shot 3D footage, so head props were specially sculpted by Sue Moore and Steve Mansfield (who previously created Kane's melting head in the 1987 serial ''[[Dragonfire (Doctor Who)|Dragonfire]]'') with wigs by Lesley Smith.{{Sfn|Tucker|1994|pp=40–41}} The space station exterior of the Rani's TARDIS was depicted with a model adapted from [[BBV Productions|BBV]]'s ''[[The Stranger (film series)|The Stranger]]'' series.{{Sfn|Tucker|1994|p=41}}{{Sfn|Howe|Walker|1999|p=124}}{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=36}} Because the monolith prop (the Rani's TARDIS in disguise) was constructed only a day before filming, Tucker had a single day to construct a miniature version for filming on 26 September.{{Sfn|Tucker|1994|p=42}} The background to the Fourth Doctor's scene was composed of elements taken from a 3D test tape received from Germany.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=36}} A scene where the Doctor's TARDIS is caught in an asteroid field was filmed but cut.{{Sfn|Tucker|1994|p=42}}

=== Post-production ===
[[Keff McCulloch]], who scored various ''Doctor Who'' serials in the late 1980s, composed about eight minutes of incidental music for the special.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=36}}

Roden suggested that the musical duo [[Pet Shop Boys]], with whom he was friends, could produce a new arrangement of the [[Doctor Who theme music|''Doctor Who'' theme music]], but they were too busy. Nathan-Turner and Roden subsequently approached the pop duo [[Erasure (duo)|Erasure]], not realising that they were on tour and were not receiving their messages.{{sfn|Nathan-Turner|1994|p=18}} Erasure eventually agreed, by which time Nathan-Turner had agreed to use an arrangement by music group Cybertech (Mike Fillis and Adrian Pack). Fillis, who played a [[Sea Devil (Doctor Who)|Sea Devil]] in the special, approached Nathan Turner during filming at Albert Square with the remix on a cassette tape. The remix was commercially released in 1994.{{Sfn|Howe|Walker|1999|p=124}}{{sfn|Nathan-Turner|1994|p=18}}{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=|pp=35, 37}}

== Continuity ==
''Dimensions in Time'' is generally not considered "[[Canon (fiction)|canon]]" to ''Doctor Who'' continuity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tantimedh |first=Adi |date=4 September 2023 |title=Doctor Who: RTD Honors Influential EastEnders Character in New Series |url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/doctor-who-rtd-honors-influential-eastenders-character-in-new-series/ |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=[[Bleeding Cool]] |language=en}}</ref>{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2019|loc=|p=57}} In 1994, Nathan-Turner stated that ''Dimensions in Time'' "was never intended to be part of the ''Doctor Who'' mythos".{{sfn|Nathan-Turner|1994|p=19}} Roden reiterated in 2015 that the special "was not made to be canon".{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=14:00–14:15}} Shortly after its release, ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' deemed the special to be non-canonical.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Scoones |first=Paul |date=October 1998 |title=The Bottom 10: A Celebration of 35 Years of Doctor Who |url=https://doctorwho.org.nz/archive/tsv56/bottom10.html |magazine=Time/Space Visualiser |issue=56}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> In ''Doctor Who: The Complete History'', [[John Ainsworth]] argued there is no reason to ignore ''Dimensions in Time'' from the series' official chronology, noting that "the original actors reprised their parts. It featured a previously established villain... It’s not a spoof - it's played completely straight". He suggested the negative reaction to the special has affected its status in ''Doctor Who'' canon.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2019|p=57}}

Establishing ''EastEnders'' and ''Doctor Who'' in the same [[shared universe]] creates various continuity problems. Both Pauline Fowler and Kathy Beale were killed off in ''EastEnders'' prior to 2013, but ''Dimensions in Time'' depicts them alive and well.<ref name=":1" /> [[Sophie Aldred]] appeared in two 1993 episodes of the soap opera,<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=2017 |editor-last=Wright|editor-first=Mark|issue=44|title=Dragonfire, Remembrance of the Daleks and The Happiness Patrol|magazine=Doctor Who: The Complete History |publisher=[[Panini Comics]], [[Hachette Book Group|Hachette Partworks]] |pages=105}}</ref>{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=35}} and Louise Jameson and Bonnie Langford later appeared as regular characters.<ref name=":1"/> The 2006 ''Doctor Who'' episode "[[Army of Ghosts]]" depicts ''EastEnders'' as a TV series which exists within the [[Whoniverse|''Doctor Who'' universe]].<ref name=":1" />{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2019|p=57}}

==Broadcast==
{{Episode table |background= |series=6 |title=20 |aux1=6 |airdate=10 |viewers=6 |country=UK |seriesT=Episode |aux1T=Run time |aux1R={{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=37}} |airdateR={{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=37}} |viewersR={{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=37}} |episodes={{Episode list/sublist|Dimensions in Time
   |EpisodeNumber      = 1
   |Title              = Part One
   |RTitle             =
   |OriginalAirDate    = {{Start date|1993|11|26|df=y}}
   |Viewers            = 13.8
   |Aux1               = 7:38
   |LineColor          =
}}
  {{Episode list/sublist|Dimensions in Time
   |EpisodeNumber      = 2
   |Title              = Part Two
   |RTitle             =
   |OriginalAirDate    = {{Start date|1993|11|27|df=y}}
   |Viewers            = 13.6
   |Aux1               = 5:28
   |LineColor          =
}}
}}
The 18 November issue of ''[[Radio Times]]'' featured the Doctors on its cover{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2019|p=90}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mulkern |first=Patrick |date=17 November 2023 |title=Doctor Who at 60: All the times the Doctors assembled for Radio Times |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-actors-radio-times-exclusive-newsupdate/ |access-date=2025-11-04 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=en-GB}}</ref> and came with a free pair of 3D glasses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Johnathon |date=20 September 2021 |title=Doctor Who and soap crossovers you'd forgotten about |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/doctor-who-soap-crossovers/ |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=37}} Part One was introduced by [[Noel Edmonds]] in a live sketch with Pertwee in character as the Third Doctor.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2019|p=91}} After Part One aired, a telephone vote was held to choose which ''EastEnders'' character—Mandy Salter (Nicola Stapleton) or [[List of EastEnders characters introduced in 1985#Big Ron|Big Ron]] ([[Ron Tarr]])—would assist the Doctor in Part Two<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=When EastEnders crossed over with other shows |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z4nxcxs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524152047/https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z4nxcxs |archive-date=24 May 2025 |access-date=2025-11-04 |website=BBC Bitesize |language=en-GB}}</ref>{{Sfn|Howe|Walker|1999|p=123}} (two versions of the same scene were filmed).<ref name=":8">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec22YS215Jk |title=Doctor Who - Dimensions In Time - Rare Unseen Footage |access-date=2025-11-04 |postscript=. For footage of Big Ron assisting the Doctor instead of Mandy, see 4:30. For footage of the Dalek on Albert Square, see 6:29. |via=YouTube}}</ref>{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=34}} The voting gimmick was conceived by Michael Leggo, producer of Edmonds' show ''[[Noel's House Party]]''.{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=31}} Although the version with Big Ron was expected to be broadcast,{{Sfn|Hadoke|2015|loc=38:20–39:12}} the Mandy version won out with 22,484 votes (56%) compared to 17,044 votes (44%).{{Sfn|Howe|Walker|1999|p=123}} These phone votes raised £101,000.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2019|p=91}}{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=34}} Part Two was introduced by Edmonds during ''Noel's House Party''.{{Sfn|Howe|Walker|1999|p=123}}

''Dimensions in Time'' achieved UK viewing figures of 13.8 million and 13.6 million viewers for the first and second parts respectively,{{Sfn|Pixley|2002|p=37}} the highest for ''Doctor Who'' since Part Four of ''[[City of Death]]'' (1979) at 16.1 million viewers.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2019|p=92}}<ref name=city>{{Cite magazine |date=2018 |editor-last=Wright |editor-first=Mark |title=City of Death, The Creature from the Pit, Nightmare of Eden and The Horns of Nimon |url= |magazine=Doctor Who: The Complete History |publisher=[[Panini Comics]], [[Hachette Book Group|Hachette Partworks]] |pages=43 |issn=2057-6048}}</ref>{{efn|''City of Death''<nowiki/>'s broadcast coincided with industrial action at [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]].<ref name=city/>}} That same weekend, Nathan-Turner screened the special at [[Visions (convention)|Visions]] in [[Chicago]] with ''Children in Need'''s permission, raising $6,000 from sales of 3D glasses.{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2019|p=92}}

''Dimensions in Time'' has never been rebroadcast, per the deal between the BBC and Equity.<ref name=":4"/>{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=33}} Programme documents read "[[Nota bene|N.B.]] This material can never be used on air again".{{sfn|Pixley|2002|p=37}}{{Sfn|Ainsworth|2019|p=93}} However researcher Richard Bignell stated a [[Home media|commercial release]] is unlikely moreso due to the high cost of licensing material owned by ''Children in Need''.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1000720249497546752 |user=NothingLane |title=The problem isn't really the contracts. Children in Need will let it be used. It's just that they want £6000 per minute or part thereof. To use the whole thing would cost £78,000. It's why you didn't see so much as a clip of it on the DVD range. |first=Richard |last=Bignell |date=27 May 2018}}</ref> A short clip of Kate O'Mara as the Rani from ''Dimensions in Time'' was used in the 2025 ''Doctor Who'' episode ''[[Wish World]]''.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1926193510606053613 |user=DialConfession |title=Loved #DoctorWho #WishWorld ! Very fun 😊 Maybe I'm biased though, because I was asked to expand some classic DW clips to widescreen for it. Surprise! (For me, the Rani reveal was these showing up in my emails). Overjoyed that I got to touch up a HQ clip from Dimensions in Time. |first=Jacob |last=Booth |date=24 May 2025 |access-date=22 November 2025}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Quote box
| quote = I don’t need to defend ''Dimensions in Time'' — it should be taken for what it is: a jolly romp to celebrate ''Doctor Who''<Nowiki>'</Nowiki>s thirtieth birthday. If you didn’t like it, fine; if you did like it, that’s equally fine. But if you can honestly say that the 30th anniversary of ''Doctor Who'' would have been better without it, without its publicity, without its ''Radio Times'' front cover, without its colossal audience figure, without its individual effect on the final amount of money raised for such a worthy charity, then I feel sorry for you.{{sfn|Nathan-Turner|1994|pp=18–19}}
| source = —producer John Nathan-Turner in 1994
| align = 
| width = 25%
| quoted = 
}}
Contemporary fan reception was extremely negative.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rawson-Jones |first=Ben |date=2007-11-18 |title=Cult Spy: 'Doctor Who' In Need? |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/cult/a79962/cult-spy-doctor-who-in-need/ |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine |author-link= |date=16 February 1994 |title=Timelines |url=https://archive.org/details/doctor-who-magazine-200-299/Doctor%20Who%20Magazine%20%23209/page/40/mode/2up |magazine=[[Doctor Who Magazine]] |publisher=Marvel Comics UK Ltd. |issue=209 |pages=38–39}}</ref> A few months after the special's release, the regular [[gag cartoon]] of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'', ''Doctor Who?'', sardonically depicted "Unlikely things to hear whilst viewing the 'Dimensions in Time' story" ("These 3D effects are really convincing!" "They must have spent a fortune on this!" "Albert Square is a very effective setting").<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=16 February 1994 |title=Doctor Who? by Tim Quinn and Dicky Howett |magazine=[[Doctor Who Magazine]] |publisher=Marvel Comics UK Ltd. |issue=209 |pages=5 |issn=0957-9818}}</ref> In ''The Discontinuity Guide'' (1995), [[Paul Cornell]], [[Martin Day (writer)|Martin Day]] and [[Keith Topping]] called it "nostalgic and camp, amusing nonsense".<ref name="bbc">{{cite web |title=Doctor Who Classic Episode Guide - Dimensions in Time - Details |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/episodeguide/dimensionstime/detail.shtml |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312172455/https://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/episodeguide/dimensionstime/detail.shtml |archive-date=12 March 2007 |access-date=27 May 2023}}</ref> In the licensed reference book series ''Doctor Who: The Handbook'', [[David J. Howe]], Mark Stammers and [[Stephen James Walker]] gave the special a 0/10 and called it "a dreadful travesty of a ''Doctor Who'' story" despite its charitable aims.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Howe |first1=David J. |author-link1=David J. Howe |title=Doctor Who The Handbook: The Second Doctor |last2=Stammers |first2=Mark |last3=Walker |first3=Stephen James |publisher=Doctor Who Books |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-426-20516-6 |pages=193–194}}</ref> Howe and Walker also criticised the plot and pacing, calling it "''Doctor Who'' on acid" and comparing it to a sketch from ''[[The Benny Hill Show]]''.{{Sfn|Howe|Walker|1999|p=|pp=124–125}}

[[Nicholas Briggs]], who later voiced the [[Daleks]] in ''Doctor Who''<nowiki/>'s [[List of Doctor Who episodes (2005–present)|revived series]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dee |first=Christel |date=5 January 2019 |title=Nick Briggs Exclusive Interview: "I wanted to make this Dalek super-arrogant" |url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/nick-briggs-exclusive-interview-i-wanted-to-make-this-dalek-super-arrogant |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250818121330/https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/nick-briggs-exclusive-interview-i-wanted-to-make-this-dalek-super-arrogant |archive-date=2025-08-18 |access-date=2025-11-03 |website=doctorwho.tv |language=en}}</ref> criticised the special's production value and plot. However he suggested that it received an unfairly high level of scrutiny because of the absence of original ''Doctor Who'' programming on television. He also suggested that the special is more accurately compared to an advert or comedy sketch rather than a standard serial.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Briggs |first=Nicholas |author-link=Nicholas Briggs |date=16 February 1994 |title=After Image |url=https://archive.org/details/doctor-who-magazine-200-299/Doctor%20Who%20Magazine%20%23209/page/40/mode/2up |magazine=[[Doctor Who Magazine]] |publisher=Marvel Comics UK Ltd. |issue=209 |pages=44–45}}</ref>

In 2013, Oli Smith of ''[[IGN]]'' likened ''Dimensions in Time'' to the similarly maligned ''[[Star Wars Holiday Special]]'', remarking that it "ditched the whole idea of a plot altogether".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Oli |date=2013-02-15 |title=Doctor Who: Anticipating The Anniversary |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/15/doctor-who-anticipating-the-anniversary |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2016, ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' called it a "train wreck" and lamented "what could have been a spectacular event ended up being an embarrassing hodgepodge", criticising the special effects, plot and ''EastEnders'' cameos.<ref name=":6">{{Cite magazine |last=Lujan |first=Adam |date=14 December 2023 |orig-date=18 July 2016 |title=''Doctor Who'': Every Former Doctor Return Appearance, Ranked |url=https://ew.com/gallery/doctor-who-returning-doctors/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926201121/https://ew.com/gallery/doctor-who-returning-doctors/ |archive-date=26 September 2024 |access-date= |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |page=}}</ref> Writing for ''[[Radio Times]]'' in 2023, Patrick Mulkern called it "diabolical – the best that can be said is that it was mounted in a charitable cause".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mulkern |first=Patrick |date=15 October 2023 |title=My Life as a Doctor Who Fan: Part 5 – 1990 to 2012 |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-my-life-as-a-fan-part-5/ |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=[[Radio Times]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==References==
===Notes===
{{notelist}}

=== Citations ===
{{reflist}}

=== Sources ===

* {{Cite magazine |date=2019 |editor-last=Ainsworth |editor-first=John |editor-link= |title=Shada, Dimensions in Time, The Curse of Fatal Death and Time Crash |url= |magazine=Doctor Who: The Complete History |publisher=[[Panini Comics]], [[Hachette Book Group|Hachette Partworks]] |issue=90 |issn=2057-6048}}
* {{Cite magazine |last=Bignell |first=Richard |date=January 2012 |editor-last=Bignell |editor-first=Richard |title=Illuminating The Dark Dimension |magazine=Nothing at the End of the Lane |pages=87–115 |publication-date= |volume=3}}
* {{Cite podcast |url=https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/toby-hadoke-s-who-s-round-128-david-roden-1337 |title=David Roden |website=Toby Hadoke's Who's Round |publisher=[[Big Finish Productions]] |host= |date=2015 |access-date=3 November 2025 |last=Hadoke |first=Toby}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Howe |first1=David J. |author-link1=David J. Howe |url=http://archive.org/details/handbookseventhd0000davi |title=Doctor Who The Handbook: The Seventh Doctor |last2=Walker |first2=Stephen James |publisher=Virgin Publishing |others=via the [[Internet Archive]] |year=1999 |isbn=0-426-20527-8 |orig-date=1998}}
* {{Cite magazine |last=Nathan-Turner |first=John |author-link=John Nathan-Turner |date=16 February 1994 |title=I Am What I Am... |url= |magazine=[[Doctor Who Magazine]] |publisher=Marvel Comics UK Ltd. |issue=249 |pages=14–19}}
* {{Cite magazine |last=Pixley |first=Andrew |author-link= |date=11 December 2002 |title=Dimensions in Time |url= |magazine=[[Doctor Who Magazine]] |publisher=Marvel Comics UK Ltd. |issue=324 |pages=26–37}}
* {{Cite magazine |last=Tucker |first=Mike |date=16 February 1994 |title=No Time (And Three Dimensions In Space) |url= |magazine=[[Doctor Who Magazine]] |publisher=Marvel Comics UK Ltd. |issue=209 |pages=40–42}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite magazine |date=20 November 1993 |title=Tale of a Time Lord |url=https://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php?title=Tale_of_a_Time_Lord |magazine=[[Radio Times]] |pages=36–37}}
* {{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Shannon |date=2 August 2021 |title=Dimensions In Time |url=http://www.shannonsullivan.com/drwho/serials/dit.html |access-date=3 November 2025 |website=Shannon Sullivan}}

==External links==

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQCeMIQpFBc Dimensions in Time] on [[YouTube]]
* {{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Simon |title=DIMENSIONS IN TIME |url=http://homepages.bw.edu/~jcurtis/Scripts/DIT/intro.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219034424/http://homepages.bw.edu/~jcurtis/Scripts/DIT/intro.html |archive-date=19 December 2010}}
* {{Cite web |date=20 June 2006 |title=Dimensions in Time |url=http://www.doctorwhoworld.org.uk/dimensions.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060622072451/http://www.doctorwhoworld.org.uk/dimensions.htm |archive-date=22 June 2006 |website=Doctor Who World}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070110222512/http://drwhoguide.com/mp3/dimens.mp3 Title music]
*{{IMDb title|0261655}}

{{Doctor Who}}
{{EastEnders}}
{{navboxes|list1=
{{Doctor Who supplementary episodes}}
{{First Doctor stories|selected=Television}}
{{Second Doctor stories|selected=Television}}
{{Third Doctor stories|selected=Television}}
{{Fourth Doctor stories|selected=Television}}
{{Fifth Doctor stories|selected=Television}}
{{Sixth Doctor stories|selected=Television}}
{{Seventh Doctor stories|selected=Television}}
{{Cyberman stories|selected=Television}}
{{K9 stories|selected=Television}}
{{Multi-Doctor stories}}
{{Rani stories}}
{{Sarah Jane Smith stories}}
{{Silurian stories}}
{{UNIT stories|selected=Television}}
}}

[[Category:Doctor Who crossovers]]
[[Category:Doctor Who multi-Doctor stories]]
[[Category:Doctor Who spinoffs]]
[[Category:EastEnders spinoffs]]
[[Category:Third Doctor stories]]
[[Category:Fourth Doctor stories]]
[[Category:Fifth Doctor stories]]
[[Category:Sixth Doctor stories]]
[[Category:Seventh Doctor stories]]
[[Category:The Rani (Doctor Who) stories]]
[[Category:Doctor Who charity episodes]]
[[Category:Children in Need]]
[[Category:1993 British television episodes]]
[[Category:Doctor Who stories set on Earth]]
[[Category:3D television shows]]
[[Category:Anniversary television episodes]]
[[Category:Crossover television]]
[[Category:Fiction set in 1973]]
[[Category:Fiction set in 1993]]
[[Category:Fiction set in 2013]]
[[Category:Television episodes written by John Nathan-Turner]]
[[Category:Television shows shot at BBC Elstree Centre]]
[[Category:Time loop television episodes]]
[[Category:Doctor Who anniversary specials]]
[[Category:Television episodes set in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Television episodes set in the 1990s]]
[[Category:Television episodes set in the 2010s]]