December 21, 2017
It’s that time of year again when Whovians across the world are looking forward to THE event of the year, the Doctor Who Christmas Special. This year’s episode, Twice Upon A Time, is the final outing for Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor but will also introduce Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor.
In the final part of three, doctorwho.tv takes a look back at all the Christmas Specials since the show’s return in 2005.
Now it’s time for the Twelfth Doctor, as played by Peter Capaldi, and his four festive outings. (Spoilers follow if you haven’t seen these episodes.)
Last Christmas
First aired: Dec 25, 2014
Starring: Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor, and Jenna Coleman as Clara
Face-hugging Dream Crabs may not seem very festive but the appearance of Santa Claus and his elves brought a seasonal touch to this thrilling Christmas Special.
The horrible creatures brought various people from Earth and the Doctor and Clara together at the North Pole in a dreamy-weamy adventure from writer Steven Moffat.
Fans can look out for actor Dan Starkey, normally known for playing Sontaran Strax, who plays Ian, one of Santa’s rather aggressive elves.
The Husbands of River Song
First aired: Dec 25, 2015
Starring: Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor, and Alex Kingston as River Song
Hilarity ensued as River Song encountered the Twelfth Doctor for the first time – and did not recognise him.
Song, with actress Alex Kingston returning once more to the role, was up to all sorts of hi-jinx with the help of Nardole (Matt Lucas making his Doctor Who debut), robbing the imposing cyborg King Hydroflax.
The festive feels were felt in full effect when the Doctor and River visited the Singing Towers of Darillium and spent their last night together (before her death as first revealed in 2008’s Forest of the Dead).
The Return of Doctor Mysterio
First aired: Dec 25, 2016
Starring: Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor, and Matt Lucas as Nardole
Who meets Marvel in this uplifting Yuletide tale which saw the Doctor create superhero The Ghost after meeting Grant Gordon as a comic-loving young boy.
Matt Lucas returned as Nardole to help the Twelfth Doctor as they investigate the dubious goings on behind-the-scenes with multinational research company, Harmony Shoal. A company with very alien connections.
Hinting at what was to come, the Doctor delivers a touching speech with the words:
“Everything ends, and it's always sad. But everything begins again too, and that's always happy. Be happy.”
Twice Upon A Time
To air: Dec 25, 2017
Starring: Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor, David Bradley as the First Doctor, and Pearl Mackie as Bill
We can’t quite look back to this one just yet, so above you can watch an exciting new scene from the final episode for Peter Capaldi. The special will see him team up with the First Doctor and Bill.
Twice Upon A Time airs from Dec 25, 2017
