The festive edition of Doctor Who will air on New Year's Day on BBC One rather than Christmas Day for the first time since the drama's return in 2005, the BBC has confirmed.
It will be the first Doctor Who episode to debut on 1 January since the second part of David Tennant's exit story was broadcast on that date in 2010. Executive producer Chris Chibnall said the episode would see Jodie Whittaker's Doctor 'face a terrifying alien threat'. He added: 'We're thrilled to be starting the New Year with a bang on BBC One, with an action-packed, hour-long special adventure for all the family.'
The scheduling change mirrors the programme's shift from Saturday to Sunday, which has brought significantly larger audiences for Whittaker's Doctor. New Year's Day has in recent years often delivered bigger ratings than Christmas Day, with shows such as Sherlock performing strongly. A 1 January broadcast also allows Doctor Who to stand out rather than compete with other family favourites on 25 December.
The confirmation that the seasonal instalment will move from its traditional slot is notable, as BBC One typically showcases its crown jewels on Christmas Day. Additionally, the decision means 2019 will not be a completely Doctor Who-free year, with it now looking unlikely that Whittaker's second series will air before 2020. The BBC has not commented on the transmission dates for future episodes, but sources suggest that the show's complex filming and lengthy post-production process are key factors in avoiding a rushed schedule.
The Christmas Day special has been a television fixture since Christopher Eccleston relaunched the series in 2005. Previous festive episodes have featured stars including Kylie Minogue, David Morrissey, Katherine Jenkins and Sir Michael Gambon. Whittaker's first full episode attracted a record audience of 10.9 million viewers last month, and she made her debut in last year's Christmas special, Twice Upon A Time.
