BBC has recently unveiled the first images from the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special, featuring the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson). The holiday special is set to debut on BBC One in the UK and Ireland, and on Disney+ for audiences elsewhere, on December 25th.
The upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special titled "The Church on Ruby Road" will serve as Gatwa's debut as the Fifteenth Doctor, building on his previous appearance in the 60th anniversary special "The Giggle." Joining him as the Doctor's new companion, Ruby Sunday, will be Millie Gibson. Further details about the plot are currently scarce.
Doctor Who drops first look at Ncuti Gatwa’s Christmas special
In any case, fans can glean some additional details about the Doctor Who Christmas special from the new promotional stills released by the official Doctor Who X account.
In the initial image, we see a solemn Fifteenth Doctor set against a blurred snowy backdrop. Despite the lack of focus, it is discernible that there is a neon shopfront and a glowing Christmas tree. This seems to validate the speculation that a portion of the Doctor Who Christmas special unfolds on modern-day Earth.
The second image is even more revealing as it shows a cheerful Doctor facing a perplexed Ruby. In this scene, the duo is tied to an old wooden post, hinting that they may be taken captive in the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special.
It's important to note that BBC has not confirmed any of these plot details yet, so they should be considered pure speculation for now.
Doctor Who showrunner teases Ncuti Gatwa’s “reset” season
It is certain that the Doctor Who Christmas special will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise. During a recent interview, showrunner Russell T Davies emphasized that Gatwa’s time in the TARDIS will serve as a "reset" for the show.
Davies recently disclosed that this strategy also applies to the villains that the Fifteenth Doctor will encounter in Doctor Who. The showrunner mentioned that the Daleks and the Cybermen, well-known adversaries, will not be featured in Doctor Who Series 14/Season 1 as he wanted to focus more on new material. For the most up-to-date Doctor Who content, make sure to visit Dexerto for complete coverage.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am incredibly excited about the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special, "The Church on Ruby Road." Ncuti Gatwa's portrayal of the Fifteenth Doctor has been highly anticipated, and I can't wait to see him bring his unique energy and charisma to the role. The first-look images released by the BBC have only served to heighten my excitement, as they hint at a thrilling and captivating adventure.
The images suggest that the special will feature a mix of modern-day Earth and more fantastical elements, which is a combination that I find particularly appealing. I am also intrigued by the dynamic between the Doctor and his new companion, Ruby Sunday. The fact that they are tied to a wooden post in one of the images suggests that they may face some challenges and obstacles in their journey.
Overall, I am very optimistic about the future of Doctor Who under Ncuti Gatwa's leadership. The show has always been known for its ability to reinvent itself, and I believe that Gatwa's era will bring a fresh and exciting perspective to the franchise. I can't wait to see what lies ahead for the Doctor and his companions in "The Church on Ruby Road" and beyond.