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Doctor Who - The Doctor lands on Christmas Day in The Church on Ruby Road

Long ago on Christmas Eve, a baby was abandoned in the snow. Today, Ruby Sunday meets the Doctor, stolen babies, goblins and perhaps the secret of her birth...

Published: 09:00 pm, 30 November 2023
Clockwise from top left: Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor standing outside in the dark on a snowy night, Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday leaning on the edge of a cot, a goblin creature and finally, guest star Davina McCall
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!
— Russell T Davies, Showrunner

Christmas has come early as brand new images are released from the Doctor Who Christmas special – The Church on Ruby Road. As the Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, takes over the TARDIS for his first epic adventure he will be joined by Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, as she makes her debut as the Doctor’s companion.

Airing on Â鶹ԼÅÄ One and Â鶹ԼÅÄ iPlayer, the episode sees the Doctor come face-to-face with the mythical and mysterious goblins as his life collides with Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson.

Nucti Gatwa as The Doctor, standing outside on a dark night in snow, with glittering lights in the background
(Image: Â鶹ԼÅÄ Studios)
Millie Gibson s Ruby Sunday. She rests her arms and chin on the edge of a cot in a room.
(Image: Â鶹ԼÅÄ Studios)

Little is known about Ruby Sunday as she was abandoned on Christmas Eve as a baby. Now living with her mum, Carla and grandmother, Cherry her world is about to be turned upside when she encounters the Doctor and the two set off on their first adventure together...

Alongside Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson is Davina McCall who will be playing herself as she joins the cast alongside Michelle Greenidge as Ruby’s mum Carla, Angela Wynter as Ruby’s grandmother Cherry and Anita Dobson as Mrs Flood.

Davina McCall in Doctor Who. She wears a flower patterned black dress and stands with her hands on her hips in front of a large bright light.
(Image: Â鶹ԼÅÄ Studios)

Davina says: “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!â€

Russell T Davies, Showrunner adds: “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!â€

A goblin creature with long pointed green ears and large black eyes bares its pointed teeth
(Image: Â鶹ԼÅÄ Studios)

Doctor Who returns on Saturday 2 December at 6.30pm on Â鶹ԼÅÄ One and iPlayer with Special Two: Wild Blue Yonder featuring David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor and Catherine Tate as Donna Noble.

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