DOCTOR WHO: ANNUAL SERIES, CHRISTMAS SPECIALS AND SERIES 14 LENGTH REVEALED

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies has revealed new details on Series 14 and hinted at his plans for the future of the long-running BBC sci-fi series.

Doctor Who returns with three special episodes in November 2023 starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate. Tennant will then hand over to Ncuti Gatwa, who will make is first full appearance over the festive period in 2023 (more on that below!). Ncuti Gatwa will be joined in the TARDIS by former Coronation Street star Millie Gibson as new companion Ruby Sunday.

Showrunner Russell T. Davies has today confirmed that Series 14, the first series with Ncuti Gatwa as the title role, will be eight episodes long. "Okay, that's fewer episodes than the last full season. But give us time. We have plans, and that's a promise!" Davies told Doctor Who Magazine.

Accompanying the eight-episode series every year will be an annual "Christmas special". Russell reveals in Doctor Who Magazine: "For the first time ever, I'm writing a Christmas Special... at Christmas! And this isn't for next year, no, the 2023 script has been long since signed-off. The new one is for end-of-year 2024!"

Davies also addresses the extended gap of 13 months between the last episode and the first 60th Anniversary special: "It takes a while to get the empire in shape, but that's a serious plan: annual Doctor Who, no gap years, lots of content, on and on."

Doctor Who fans gained their first glimpse of Ncuti Gatwa at the end of the trailer for the 2023 60th Anniversary specials. Russell T. Davies has revealed that the 'cloudy background' used for this shot was a one-off: "You'll never see that again. Because the actual location would give away too much!"

Moreover, further crew members have been revealed for the new era. Will Cohen (VFX Producer), Sandra Cosfeld (Production Co-ordinator), Pam Downe (Costume designer), Ceres Doyle (Post-production producer) and Claire Williams (Hair and make-up designer).

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the reveal of Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor costume reveal. The new issue of Doctor Who Magazine reveals that both Ncuti and new companion Millie Gibson met with the show's costume designer on Monday 31 October for their first fittings.

Doctor Who Magazine: Issue 585 is on sale from Thursday 8th December in the UK. Previous episodes of Doctor Who are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.