Watch now: BBC unveils surprise Doctor Who mini episode

The BBC has treated fans of Doctor Who with the release of surprise mini-episode of as a teaser for this month’s 50th anniversary.

16:30 15 November 2013

 The BBC has released a surprise mini-episode of Doctor Who as a teaser for this month’s 50th anniversary special. Called The Night Of The Doctor, the seven-minute short film stars eighth Doctor Paul McGann.

A synopsis teases: "On the eve of his most terrible battle, the Time Lord is faced with a choice that will change the course of his life. The darkest of days are about to begin."

The show’s highly anticipated anniversary special, which has extra-long running time of 75 minutes, is entitled The Day Of the Doctor.

In this special episode, current stars Matt Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman will be joined by John Hurt, Billie Piper and David Tennant. It will be aired on BBC One on November 23 and it will be shown in 3D in over 200 UK cinemas, as well as in cinemas in the UK, Canada, Germany, and Russia.

The BBC also prepared range of special programmes to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary. These include a BBC Two lecture by Dr Brian Cox on the science behind the series.