The writer told fans not to be fooled by the episode's title.
Russell T Davies has warned fans they "won't be laughing" at a pivotal moment in the third of this year's Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials.
The popular sci-fi drama revealed (via Instagram) that the final entry in the three-parter is titled The Giggle, with a short teaser showing David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor expressing his disgust at a formidable new villain.
"He's here. Driving you mad. Laughing at the human race," says the Time Lord, seemingly referring to Neil Patrick Harris's as-yet-unidentified villain.
Despite its title, Davies stopped by the comments section to assure fans that the episode won't simply be a barrel of laughs, adding: "Oh you won't be laughing when...", followed by a sad-faced emoji.
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The ominous comment implies an emotional moment at some point in the episode, perhaps shared between the Fourteenth Doctor and former companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate).
It could also refer to the circumstances of his regeneration, with the specials expected to culminate in Tennant departing the show once more, making way for Ncuti Gatwa's entrance as the Fifteenth Doctor.
In an earlier post this week, Davies summarised the specials in five words, saying: "Doctor, danger, dancing, Donna… and disaster."
Fans are excited to feast their eyes on the 60th anniversary specials and subsequent season 14, the latter of which has assembled an impressive cast for its adventures.
Aneurin Barnard, Anita Dobson, Jinkx Monsoon, Indira Varma, Lenny Rush and Jonathan Groff are all confirmed to be taking roles in the next chapter, while Bonnie Langford and Jemma Redgrave are returning from previous entries.
Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Episodes of the classic series can be streamed on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial here.
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David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
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