Doctor Who fans rejoice! The BBC has released the first trailer for the show’s 2023 Christmas special starring Ncuti Gatwa. Back in May 2022, the Sex Education star was announced as the new Time Lord for the long-running series’ 14th season. “There aren’t quite the words to describe how I’m feeling.
A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited, and of course a little bit scared,” Gatwa shared in a statement. “This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care.” Since that fateful day, fans have eagerly awaited Gatwa’s new adventure as the Doctor to hit their television screens.
Fortunately for viewers, the wait is finally coming to an end this December. After the conclusion of the Doctor Who 60th-anniversary specials – which featured the return of David Tennant and Catherine Tate and the introduction of the “bi-generation” concept – the BBC shared the first trailer of the show’s upcoming Xmas special, The Church on Ruby Road.
At the start of the visual, Gatwa’s 15th iteration of the Doctor is dancing under a disco ball while Ruby Sandy (Millie Gibson) looks on with adoration. “Merry Christmas,” the Doctor exclaims to Ruby before the teaser transitions to his new companion hanging from a ladder attached to a floating ship. “What’s up there?” she asks, prompting the Time Lord to reply: “Goblins.” As the trailer progresses, clips of their intense goblin battle flash across the screen while Gatwa’s character gushes about time travellers being great.