Rather than the usual eleven-episode run, the upcoming series will have eight episodes due to the added protocols to ensure the safety of all cast and crew.

Showrunner Chris Chibnall commented: “In this strangest of years, the Doctor Who production team have worked wonders to get the show back into production. We’re thrilled to be back making the show. Given the complexity of making Doctor Who, and with new and rigorous Covid working protocols, it’s going to take us a little longer to film each episode, meaning we expect to end up with eight episodes, rather than the usual eleven.

“But rest assured, the ambition, humour, fun and scares you expect from Doctor Who will all still be firmly in place. For everyone around the world, this is a challenging period - but the Doctor never shirks from a challenge!”

The finale of last series left the Doctor’s fate in uncertainty after she was locked in an eternal prison. For the upcoming festive special, the Doctor’s closest friends Yaz (Mandip Gill), Ryan (Tosin Cole) and Graham (Bradley Walsh) are trying to cope without her.

Panic arises when the trio uncover a plot involving one of the Doctor’s most feared enemies, the Daleks. Can they fight off these extremely dangerous monsters without the trusted Doctor by their side?

‘Revolution of the Daleks’ will air on BBC One over the Christmas period.