‘Doctor Who’ will air a "spectacular" New Year’s Day episode instead of the usual Christmas special.
The one-off broadcast – penned by showrunner Chris Chibnall – will air on January 1, and the BBC has described the change as fitting of the "brand new era" for the show.
The broadcaster said: "With 2018 marking a brand new era for ‘Doctor Who’, it is only right that 2019 kicks off in spectacular style…
"In this year’s festive episode the Tardis will travel through the time vortex from its traditional timeslot on Christmas Day and will land in style on New Year’s Day."
The show has broadcast a festive special on Christmas Day every year since the series returned in 2005, but thing are set to change.
However, new Time Lord Jodie Whittaker will still find herself on an adventure tied into the season.
The synopsis promises: "As the New Year begins, a terrifying evil is stirring, from across the centuries of Earth’s history. As the Doctor, Ryan, Graham and Yaz return home, will they be able to overcome the threat to planet Earth?"
Meanwhile, Chibnall added: "We’re thrilled to be starting the New Year with a bang on BBC1, as Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor and friends face a terrifying alien threat in an action-packed, hour-long special adventure for all the family."
The move has the support of the Beeb too, as the director of BBC Content said viewers are "in for a special treat".
Charlotte Moore commented: "We’re delighted the Doctor and her companions will be welcoming BBC1 audiences into 2019 with this exciting new episode.
"The Doctor’s fans are in for a special treat on the first day of the new year."
Doctor Who planning ‘spectacular’ New Year’s Day special
