The BAFTA-nominated actor portrayed the evil Time Lord in 2007 in the final three episodes, Utopia, The Sound of Drums and Last of the Time Lords, when he battled Tenth Doctor DAVID TENNANT in his attempt to rule Earth.
John then returned for Tennant’s farewell in 2009 – with show fans thinking they had seen the last of him.
But he will now face another Doctor in his final series as well as Peter’s companion Bill, played by PEARL MACKIE, who will also leave the show after just one series.
A source said: “This is huge for Whovians and is seen as a big coup by show boss STEVEN MOFFAT.
“John was hugely popular as The Master and they’ll be delighted he’s coming back.
“It’s a closely guarded secret and was meant to be a huge surprise for fans.”
And as part of his return, which it is thought will be teased in a trailer when the show returns on April 15, John will not be the only Master on screen.
He will appear in the episode with MICHELLE GOMEZ, who took over the famous role as Missy, the first woman to portray the character The Master.
The rumours are coming in thick and fast this week!
The Sun are claiming John Simm’s Master will be back, alongside Michelle Gomez’s Missy.
