'Doctor Who' Christmas Special release date and news: Clip has the Doctor unleashing 'The Ghost'
This Christmas will mark the arrival of yet another "Doctor Who" Christmas special, and BBC has released a new sneak peek for the upcoming episode.
The trailer has Peter Capaldi returning as the time-travelling Doctor from Gallifrey, and it also includes another appearance from comedian Matt Lucas who plays Nardole.
Some speculate that the beginning of the clip also teases the return of Shoal of the Winter Harmony — the villains from the previous Christmas special. There is even a signage featured in the clip that says that the building the Doctor is in is the Harmony Shoal research center.
As of now, Capaldi has played the 12th incarnation of the Doctor since Matt Smith ended his run back in 2013. Though reception of him is positive, there are talks that BBC is planning on giving the show a full clean slate, casting a new Doctor and a new companion as well.
According to Mirror, the showrunner position will be handed over from Steven Moffat to Chris Chibnall, and the change in Doctors is a way to add spice to the show.
Mirror's source said, "Merchandising has dropped off sharply in recent years and there is a strong desire to boost the show's popularity among kids." BBC is reportedly going back to the formula that they once had with David Tennant's Doctor — young and dashing with a feisty female companion.
Regenerations usually have the Doctor moving on to a younger body, but with Capaldi brought in, it was the first time he actually morphed into an older-looking gentleman. Hopefully BBC's new choice of Doctor will get them the fans they've been looking for.
The Christmas episode is said to air on Dec. 25 in the U.K., and it's also said that the special will have a limited run in U.S. theaters from Dec. 27 to 29.
