BBC bosses are reportedly planning a 'Doctor Who' Christmas special later this year.

Jodie Whittaker

Jodie Whittaker

Although fans of the science fiction show have previously been told Jodie Whittaker's Time Lord won't be returning until 2020 after the New Year's Day (01.01.19) episode took the place of the traditional festive spin, it now appears there could be a treat in store.

As reported by the Daily Star newspaper, it is thought the Beeb could go with a special on Christmas Day (25.12.19) after being "disappointed" that 5.5 million tuned in for the January one-off.

However, a spokesman added to the publication: "This is just speculation. It is far too early to say what the schedules will be at that time of the year."

Early next year, Jodie will return for her second run as the Thirteenth Doctor and it was previously reported that the programme could be back in its traditional Saturday night slot.

An insider previously said: "There is a feeling families are freer to watch on Saturdays than Sundays, when kids have homework to finish. While the show rated well overall, there were concerns over the decline in the audience. Returning to Saturdays is being discussed as a likely option."

Jodie's debut season was a hit with critics last year, however, ratings fell week-on-week following the opening episode 'The Woman Who Fell to Earth' which attracted a consolidated audience of 10.9 million in the UK, making it the biggest season launch for the show since it returned in its modern format in 2005.

Series 11 finished with a series average of 5.7 million viewers per storyline across the 10 episodes.

Jodie, 36, made history by becoming the first woman to portray the titular Time Lord and she is far from ready to hand over the TARDIS to another actor.

She previously said: "I really can't wait to step back in and get to work again. It's such an incredible role. It's been an extraordinary journey so far and I'm not quite ready to hand it over yet."


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