Brand new images, casting news and a synopsis are released from the Doctor Who Christmas special – The Church on Ruby Road.

Ncuti Gatwa takes over the TARDIS as the Fifteenth Doctor for his first epic adventure. He will be joined by Millie Gibson as companion Ruby Sunday as the duo make their holiday debut.

The Doctor comes face-to-face with the mythical and mysterious goblins as his life collides with Ruby Sunday. Ruby meets the Doctor, stolen babies and the goblins as she attempts to learn the secret of her birth. Little is known about Ruby as she was abandoned long ago in the snow on Christmas Eve as a baby. Now living with her mum, Carla and grandmother, Cherry Ruby’s 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.

“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,” Davian McCall enthused. “It was such an extraordinary experience and Russell [T Davies] has written you all a Christmas delight! Now I just can’t wait for everyone to see it!”

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

The Church on Ruby Road will be available globally on 25 December, 17:55 GMT. The special will transmit exclusively on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and Ireland at 5:55pm BT and stream exclusively on Disney+ outside the UK and Ireland.

A new 8-episode Doctor Who series starring Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson will debut in Spring of 2024 followed by the 2024 festive special later in the year.