John Barrowman already stated that he wouldn’t be appearing in the 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who. Now he clarifies why, and he states it’s the BBC’s decision.

John Barrowman played the swashbuckling Captain Jack Harkness for several series on Doctor Who, and by-in-large the character as well as Barrowman himself were fan favorites. So, there has been curiosity among fans as to why Barrowman is not involved in the 50th anniversary special. Initially it looked as though he was going to be involved in some capacity, at least that is what was hinted at when he appeared on the U.K. chat show This Morning.

Shortly thereafter, Barrowman backed off his enthusiasm, via his Twitter account, stating, “Re 50th I didn’t say in what capacity or what medium so stay calm and carry on”, and then he issued and out-in-out denial stating, “I will not be involved in the 50th Anniversary Episode of Dr WHO.”

Now Barrowman is clarifying things further with TV Line. He seems to be trying to dispel rumors that his Arrow shooting schedule is the reason. Barrowman plays Malcolm Merlin on the hit CW series, and he had specifically made an arrangement with the Arrow showrunners, who were coincidentally big Doctor Who and Torchwood fans, that he could have time off from Arrow to go to the U.K. to film for the 50th anniversary special if he were asked.

Barrowman tells TV-Line:

Everyone on Twitter tries to make it like it’s my decision, but the bottom line is I was not asked,” he maintains. “[The Powers That Be] don’t want to put Jack in it. And I know fans are really upset about it, as was I… It was nothing to do with my schedule. It’s just a matter of fact that I wasn’t asked.”

Barrowman goes on to tell TV-Line that he surmises that the current showrunners think his part would be only for the uber fans and they are going for a broader appeal.

Barrowman is not the only person from the reboot era not making an appearance. Christopher Eccleston, the 9th Doctor, declined to participate and Freema Agyeman, who played Martha Jones, stated she was not asked.

As for Doctors from the classic era such as Sylvester McCoy, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, and Paul McGann, they have all stated that they have not been contacted one way or the other.

At this stage, the only actors from past seasons/shows of Doctor Who who seem to be involved in any capacity are David Tennant, Billie Piper, and Jemma Redgrave.

Do you think the BBC should have brought in Captain Jack and the other Doctors in some way?