Aside from the anticipated Doctor Who 60th anniversary episodes set to air this November, Whovians have been eagerly awaiting confirmation of what a special of the show 'over the festive period' could include, as previously stated.
Could it be a New Year's Day episode? Or would it be something to look forward to on Christmas day itself? Well, while we don't have an exact release date just yet, the BBC has now reported that the Christmas special will be landing on our screens this December.
As for what the special festive episode will include, we're not entirely sure just yet, as details remain a closely guarded secret. But we do know that there have been some impressive Ncuti Gatwa outfits spotted, as well as the potential for a "guest star from 2005" to return.
The Sex Education and Barbie star will take over the Doctor Who helm as the Fifteenth Doctor in this year's Christmas special and will be joined by new companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson). Indira Varma is also set to star in the upcoming 14th season as the mysterious Duchess.
In addition to the news of the Christmas special coming this year, the BBC also reported here that the brand new season of Doctor Who would air in spring 2024.
Like a lot of people I tuned out during the Capaldi run and I'm not sure even Tennant and Tate are drawing me back in. But if the writing is as strong as the costume design (especially for Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor), I expect to get sucked back in sooner or later.
I feel like there's going to be a Bernard Cribbins shaped hole in the show as long as Cathrine Tate is back, though.
Edit: typos fixed
Capaldi had a rough start but ended up having some great episodes. I watched through the end of his run, and then watched the first episode or two with Whittaker. She wasn't very good and seemed like she was doing her best Matt Smith impression, so I just kind of fell off on Doctor Who. Now with my Doctor returning, I feel obligated to go back and rewatch all of New Who, as my girlfriend hasn't seen it.
I also checked out during Capaldi, and yesterday I went back to pick it up where I left it - The Zygon Invasion. Honestly, I'm not really sure what to make of it, and I understand why I stopped by watching. All that stuff with him playing the guitar, that really doesn't work for me. And there is something else, the pacing, the direction, the writing, the acting... I'm not sure what. The regulars are okay, but some of the supporting cast, not so much. Maybe this just wasn't a good episode and it will pick up.
I don't want to spoil any future plot points for you, but I will say after a few full watches, Peter's run has become one of my favorites! There are some fantastic stories ahead of you, if you plan on giving it a watch.
Right. You've got me interested. I will crack on!
Ah you had to mention The Cribbins - the best bit about having Catherine Tate in the series (I wasn't a fan but other people loved her).
I think peak Moffat was during the Matt Smith run but by the end of Capaldi's they were really hitting it out of the park again.
Yeah, I was almost disappointed to see Tennant return as I wanted a fresh start after the Chibbers era (why make someone a showrunner when their previous episodes were so poor and showed little understanding of Doctor Who?) but it looks like we'll bounce quite quickly into Ncuti Gatwa's run and, whole not the biggest fan of RTD's run (especially the early stuff - Nine, we hardly got to know you) I am excited for this.