ZapGossip

Doctor Who festive special still on track with crew working from home

Chris Chibnall has confirmed the ‘Doctor Who’ festive special is still on track despite the coronavirus pandemic.
The 50-year-old showrunner has given fans an update on the status of the upcoming episode – which is set to air either at the end of this year or early 2021 – and he revealed the team is still working hard from home, which is giving him something to look forward to during lockdown.
Writing in the Doctor Who Magazine’s Production Notes column, he said: "Post-production continues on ‘Revolution of the Daleks’.
"Our brilliant teams are working remotely on the visual effects shots and sending them in.
"Nothing brightens a day like a new FX shot in your inbox, no matter how early the stage it’s at."
Chris will be back at the helm for a third season when Jodie Whittaker’s Time Lord returns for another run, and he also confirmed "writing and planning" for the upcoming 13th series "continues apace".
He added: "stories are forming, writers are writing, conversations keep going, plans continue to be hatched."
He revealed the production team are constantly in touch throughout the current lockdown with "a stream of texts and voice messages" but he’s still very excited to get back together with everyone in person, with everyone "yearning for a bit of that".
Meanwhile Jodie Whittaker, 37, recently urged the show’s fans to stay indoors and follow the social distancing rules as she donned the titular Time Lord’s trademark overcoat and striped shirt to deliver a special message.
She said: "From one Doctor on behalf of every doctor, nurse, carer and frontline worker, please remember these important rules. Stay at home. Only go outside for food, health reasons or work, if your work definitely can’t be done from home.
"Stay two metres/ six feet away from other people. Wash your hands, anyone can spread the virus. Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives. You’ve got this."