Unveiling the Mystery: Dr Who Christmas Special - The Enigma of Ruby Sunday

The Doctor Who Christmas special, ‘The Church on Ruby Road’, has introduced Millie Gibson’s character, Ruby Sunday. But who exactly is she and how is she connected to Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor? It's important to mention that Ruby isn't the only new character in the Christmas special. The festive-themed adventure also marks the official debut of the Fifteenth Doctor, following his introduction in the final Doctor Who 60th anniversary special, ‘The Giggle’.

New Doctor Who toys are showcased in 'The Church on Ruby Road', including the Time Lord hero's jukebox-fitted TARDIS and an advanced sonic screwdriver. However, nothing compares to the excitement of Ruby's arrival. Keep reading to uncover her story!

Who is Doctor Who’s Ruby Sunday?

Ruby Sunday is the Doctor’s new companion. Her origins are partly shrouded in mystery and remain so when the Christmas special wraps up.

Ruby’s past is a mystery, but what we do know is that she was abandoned as a baby on a church doorstep on Christmas Eve. The Doctor Who Christmas special also reveals that her name comes from the church itself, located on Ruby Road.

In addition, ‘The Church on Ruby Road’ discloses that Ruby was taken in by her foster mother, Carla (Michelle Greenidge). At the start of the special, 19-year-old Ruby and Carla reside in Notting Hill, along with Ruby’s grandmother, Cherry (Angela Wynter).

Contrastingly, the identity of Ruby's birth mother remains uncertain. Certain fans speculate that she could be the Thirteenth Doctor portrayed by Jodie Whittaker, as both women seem to have similar taste in footwear. However, there is not sufficient evidence in the special to support this theory.

It is unlikely that the truth about Ruby's mother will be revealed in the near future. Showrunner Russell T Davies suggested in a recent interview with SFX that this mystery will unfold over the course of Doctor Who Season 14.

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How does Ruby Sunday meet the Doctor?

Not every question is answered in the Christmas special," Davies teased. "And that continues all the way through to the most magnificent finale ever shot on planet Earth. No hype! I swear that’s true."

Ruby Sunday meets the Fifteenth Doctor for the first time at a London nightclub. They have a brief exchange, during which the Doctor suggests that Ruby's recent streak of bad luck may be connected to something more mysterious.

At this point, they remain strangers, though the Doctor does wish Ruby a merry Christmas. Their formal introduction comes later in the special, as they join forces to chase after goblins who have been snatching babies.

Hanging precariously from the goblins' airship, the Doctor and his soon-to-be companion exchange names and quickly establish an efficient partnership. It comes as no surprise that at the end of the special, Ruby accompanies the Fifteenth Doctor on his next adventure.

You can catch Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road on BBC iPlayer (UK & Ireland) and Disney+ (everywhere else). For the latest Doctor Who news and updates, visit Dexerto's full coverage here.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Doctor Who, I am thrilled with the introduction of Ruby Sunday, played by the talented Millie Gibson. Her mysterious origins and intriguing connection to Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor have me eagerly anticipating the upcoming Season 14. The Christmas special provided a glimpse into Ruby's complex character and her dynamic with the Doctor, leaving me hungry for more.

The writers have done an excellent job of weaving Ruby's backstory into the larger narrative of the Doctor's adventures. Her abandonment as a baby on Christmas Eve and her subsequent upbringing by her foster mother, Carla, add layers of depth and vulnerability to her character. The uncertainty surrounding her birth mother's identity further fuels speculation and excitement among fans, creating a sense of anticipation for future revelations.