Doctor Who 50: 5 facts that should help you bluff your way through The Day of The Doctor

Everybody's talking about Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary this weekend but if you're one of those people who never watched the show you probably haven't the foggiest notion what they're on about. Chances are you'll have heard of the daleks and that's pretty much it.

Never fear, entertainment.ie is here! Now admittedly we're not the world's greatest experts on the subject but we do like to think we know a bit about things on d'telly, so here are 5 nuggets of information that should help you to talk the talk and bluff your way through the big show.

1. Doctor Who is the longest running Sci-Fi TV series in the world
It may not have been on the air for the full 50 years, but that didn't stop Doctor Who from breaking all of the records in terms of air time. It manages to kick even Star Trek to the kerb, and we all know how difficult that is. Of course, the series was pulled from the air in December 1989 and didn't return until 2005 so dropping in a 'they never should have cancelled this show' will win you instant favour with the Whovians.

2. It's got a long standing association with assassination of JFK
Doctor Who's 1963 debut coincided with the Kennedy assassination so the first episode, An Unearthly Child, was overshadowed by the rolling news coverage. When the new series debuted in 2005 the Kennedy assassination made a reappearance, with Christopher Eccleston pictured standing in the crowd just before it happened. Sure wouldn't you look like the real deal pulling that conversation starter out of the bag at a viewing party, eh?

3. The Doctors regenerate, so they're not technically killed off
Let's get one thing straight here folks: Peter Capaldi may be poised to take the helm after Christmas but that doesn't mean Matt Smith's incarnation will be biting the bullet during the festive period. You'll see #10 (David Tennant) on screen alongside him in Doctor Who 50, while John Hurt also assumes the role of another embodiment of the Time Lord. So when Tennant appears, whatever you do, don't utter the words 'I thought he was dead'.

4.The Daleks, contrary to popular belief, are not the only Doctor Who villains
They may be the most famous but there's a fair few other Doctor Who villains who've done their share of damage over the years. Weeping Angels anyone?

Mention both Amy and Rory, and then follow it up with 'The Angels Take Manhattan was the most heartbreaking episode ever' - The Who fans will be too emotional to question even your tiniest slip up.