Doctor Who Christmas special confirmed – new season to air spring 2024
New Doctor Who episodes starting from this November? Yes please.
It may be ever-so-slightly early to turn our thoughts to the festive period, but that doesn't stop us getting excited about the Christmas-themed television that will be set to take over our viewing schedules in the coming months.
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.
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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.
Fans will already know Varma as Suzie in Torchwood, but she's set to cause some serious chaos for Gatwa's Doctor in the upcoming series. Speaking about her new role, Varma said: "I’m thrilled to be in Doctor Who and particularly excited to be crossing cosmic paths with Ncuti as the Doctor, and look forward to creating interplanetary mischief with him. I loved playing Suzie Costello for Russell T Davies in Torchwood so am thrilled to be entering this world again."I
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.
However, the article has since been updated to remove any reference to the new season or when it will air.
In the interim, we of course have three anniversary specials to look forward to, which will see the return of David Tennant and Catherine Tate as the Fourteenth Doctor and beloved companion Donna Noble respectively.
Read more:
- Doctor Who showrunner hints Yasmin Finney will return for season 14
- Doctor Who fans decode clue hinting at Doom appearance in 60th specials
The upcoming special episodes will also star Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney as Rose, as well as Neil Patrick Harris in a yet-to-be-confirmed role.
But fans have been excitedly waiting to see what's in store for Finney's Rose, not least because the name has such a loaded history in the world of Doctor Who and has been previously linked with Billie Piper's Rose Tyler.
Fans have continued to speculate whether Finney's Rose could be set to make more than just her appearance in the Doctor Who specials after comments made by showrunner Russell T Davies in Doctor Who Magazine #594.
His comment noted that Finney had "wrapped a few days ago", although fans were quick to point out that filming for the anniversary specials ended some time ago. Could Finney be appearing in season 14 after all? While we don't know just yet, we're sure with the slate of new and returning characters, this upcoming period of Doctor Who newness is going to be a grand one.
Doctor Who is coming soon to BBC One and iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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Authors
Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.
