BBC confirms Doctor Who Christmas special will air during the holiday season

Ncuti Gatwa's first Doctor Who episode will air on Christmas Day.

After numerous rumors, the BBC has officially confirmed that the science fiction series' Christmas special “The Church on Ruby Road” will air on December 25th.

In a press release announcing this year's television schedule, the broadcaster described the episode as the Fifteenth Doctor's “first epic adventure” following the show's 60th anniversary celebrations.

The first day of Christmas also marks the end of the popular comedy “Ghosts”, as the finale takes viewers to Button House one last time.

Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer, said: “This year’s BBC Christmas programme is a must-see extravaganza!

“Join us in welcoming a brand new Doctor and saying goodbye to our beloved sitcom 'Ghosts'.”

She promised viewers “a spectacular range of entertainment, drama, comedy and reality TV shows over the festive fortnight”, adding: “This is a must-see for everyone as we bring friends and families together across the UK.”

Before Ncuti takes over at Christmas, David Tennant is in the middle of three special episodes to mark the show's anniversary.

The returning star is playing the new Fourteenth Doctor rather than reprising his role as the Tenth, and he was back in the TARDIS over the weekend for “The Star Beast”, followed by “Wild Blue Yonder” and “The Giggle”.

The latter marks the end of his recent stint on the show, but he does not rule out another comeback in the future.

He recently told SFX magazine: “I think it would be dishonest to assume that I will never be asked again, because history shows that this has always been a possibility.”

“So I'm not going to say 'never' because I don't think anyone would believe me.

“That doesn't mean I know if I ever will. But I guess as long as I can't run down a corridor anymore, it's still a possibility. But I promise to have no plans.”