Doctor Who screenwriter reveals first plot details for mystery Christmas 2024 episode

Doctor Who fans don’t have long to wait for this year’s Christmas special. Now, with the release date fast approaching, writer Steven Moffat has revealed the first plot details to whet our sci-fi-hungry appetites…

“Imagine a hotel chain embracing the idea of time travel,” he teased in a new interview with the publication BBC South East. “What would be the first thing a hotel would do if it had time travel? They would realize that they have the opportunity to sell all the unsold nights in their old hotels (in their entire) history.”

We got our first look at the upcoming Christmas special “Joy to the World” during San Diego Comic-Con 2024, when stars Millie Gibson, Nkuti Gatwa, who plays the Fifteenth Doctor, and showrunner Russell T. Davies took to the stage of Hall H. In the trailer they introduced, which later made its way online, you can see The Doctor appearing in Manchester in the 40s, Everest Base Camp in the 50s and The Orient Express in the 60s , asking people if they ordered “Ham & Cheese Toast and Pumpkin Latte?”.

Before long, protagonist Nicola Coughlan arrives at the Sandringham Hotel in what appears to be modern London, and is immediately asked, “Single?” at the front desk “Is it visible?!” she jokes before being ushered into a “pretty pink” room.

Shortly after the concierge runs to bring her towels, the Doctor (and Silurius) bursts through the door and presents her with the same food and drink he sold earlier. Maybe a case of mistaken identity? Is it a coincidence? Judging by the Time Lord’s big smile when he sees her, it’s most likely the last…

Doctor Who: The Joy of the World is expected to air on BBC One and iPlayer at Christmas, although no official release date has yet been announced. In the meantime, check out our guide to the best new TV shows still ahead in 2024.