‘Doctor Who’ showrunner Steven Moffat says Santa Claus will be a "Christmas hero" in the show’s upcoming festive episode.
The annual special is to include Kris Kringle – played by Nick Frost – in the TARDIS with the Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and the screenwriter has assured any concerned fans that the jolly character will not be a bad guy.
Speaking at a Q&A to launch the Series 8 DVD, he revealed: "Santa could never be evil, for heaven’s sake! Santa is both real and a Christmas hero. Any parents who were worried about that I can assure you Santa is presented, as he is in real life, as a great Christmas hero."
Moffat also joked the reason he cast ‘Hot Fuzz’ star Frost in the role is because Saint Nicholas is actually his alter ego.
He quipped: "Nick actually is the real Santa. He’s been faking it up until now. For the first time he’s allowing the natural colour of his beard to show through. You could figure it out, you know, Nick Frost, Nicholas Frost – you see?"
As well as Capaldi, Frost will be joined in the festive special – which airs on Christmas Day (25.12.14) – by regular castmates Capaldi and Jenna-Louise Coleman and guest stars Natalie Gumede, Nathan McMullen and Michael Troughton, the son of late actor Patrick Troughton, who played the Second Doctor.
Moffat was joined at the Q&A by Jenna-Louise Coleman, Samuel Anderson and Michelle Gomez, while Frank Skinner hosted.
The ‘Doctor Who’ Series 8 DVD will be available from November 24.
Santa will be a ‘Christmas hero’ in Doctor Who
