Doctor Who's unique bond with new companion in Christmas Day special

30 November 2023 , 21:14

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Gatwa’s first full episode as the Fifteenth Doctor will air on Christmas Day (Image: James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)

Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor Who will forge a special bond with his new companion, played by Millie Gibson, because they are both orphans.

Gatwa’s first full episode as the Fifteenth Doctor, The Church on Ruby Road, will air on Christmas Day. The episode begins on a snowy Christmas Eve with a woman leaving a newborn baby girl on the steps of a church. That baby grows up to become the Doctor’s sidekick, played by ex-Coronation Street star Gibson, 19.

Fans learned in 2020 that the Doctor was an orphan, in The Timeless Child, written by former showrunner Chris Chibnall. In the plot, it emerged that the Doctor had been adopted by the Gallifreyans who then harnessed the regeneration skills to create the race known as the Timelords.

Fans will enjoy the chemistry between Ruby Sunday and The Doctor (James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)

One insider said: “It was shocking when it first came out that the Doctor wasn’t actually a Timelord but was adopted from another universe. So this is Russell T Davies confirming what was broadcast in a previous adventure.

“It means Ruby and the Doctor have got something huge in common and the fans will love the chemistry between them, as Ncuti and Millie got on from the first moment they met.”

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Now living with her mum Carla, played by Michelle Greenidge, and grandmother, Cherry (Angela Wynter) Ruby’s world is about to be turned upside down. In the Christmas episode, she also meets stolen babies and mythical and mysterious goblins - while discovering the secret of her own birth along the way.

Davina McCall has a cameo as herself in the special episode (James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)

The festive special will also feature a cameo from Davina McCall, playing herself for an episode of Long Lost Family. It’s not Davina’s first credit on Doctor Who, as she previously voiced the Davinadroid, for a futuristic Big Brother, in Christopher Eccleston’s series from 2005.

Davina said: “It is beyond an honour to be asked to appear in not only Doctor Who but also Ncuti’s first episode as the new Doctor. It was such an extraordinary experience and Russell has written you all a Christmas delight. Now I just can’t wait for everyone to see it.” Also guest-starring is former EastEnders favourite Anita Dobson, playing a character called Mrs Flood.

Last night Doctor Who boss Russell T Davies said: “From Day One in this job, I wanted Doctor Who back on Christmas Day! And with Ncuti, Millie, Davina and the Goblin King, I hope it’s a feast for all the family.”

Nicola Methven