"Doctor Who" fans will have a special present on Christmas day with the release of the holiday special episode of the series.
Written by Steven Moffat, "The Return of Dr. Mysterioso" begins at Christmas where The Doctor is briefly mistaken as Santa Claus. Without spoiling much of the episode, expect "Shameless" alum Justin Chatwin's caped crusader named Ghost will team up with Peter Cipaldi in their quest to defend the planet against a race of alien invaders.
Moffat said that the episode will be the most holiday-centered episode of "Doctor Who." "It's the most Christmassy Doctor Who ever," he said, Telegraph reported.
The Telegraph's Michael Hogan agrees and says that the tone of the episode channels the holiday spirit. Nonetheless, he hinted that Whovians should expect a bittersweet ending. In describing the episode, Cipaldi said that it would be a good mix of scary, nostalgia and festivities all wrapped into one.
Elsewhere, reports that Cipaldi will soon quit the show for good are circulating. This will reportedly happen after Moffat's departure. The actor reportedly wants a modest raise in salary to persuade him to stay. Earlier the actor was quoted saying that this year could be his "final year" as the time lord, Cinema Blend reported.
"This could be my final year - it's terrifying. I love Doctor Who but it can be quite an insular world and I do want to do other things. There will come a time when this is over. But I knew that when I started. I was thinking about my regeneration scene from the outset. That's my terrible melancholic nature. When you accept the job you know there'll come a day, inevitably, when you'll be saying goodbye," he said.
"Doctor Who" Christmas special will air three hours earlier than its other holiday runs. Watch the video below to watch the teaser for the episode: