Doctor Who boss reveals why New Year’s Day episode reduced him to tears ahead of major cast shake-up

DOCTOR Who boss Chris Chibnall has revealed why the show’s New Year’s Day episode reduced him to tears ahead of its major cast shake-up.

A special screening of the show is set to wow fans over the festive period, but Chris admits it was “very emotional” for both cast and crew.



Doctor Who boss Chris Chibnall had tears over the New Year’s Day special

His comments refer to the fact that Revolution of the Daleks will be the last ever Doctor Who episode for actors Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole.

He told TV Mag: “It’s very emotional. We’ve all been in tears watching it.

“It’s an important part of the mix of the special, where you get thrills and spills and humour but also emotion.

“It’s hard but we don’t shy away from what is means for this family to have its final moments together.”



Bradley Walsh will appear in his final episode

It will also be the last for Tosin Cole

He went on: “You would never have known they’d all get on so well, we all feel very lucky that that happened. It’s reflected on and off screen.

“I hope it’s a good send off for those two characters, whatever happens to them.”

But teasing that there could be a return for pair, who play Ryan (Cole) and Graham (Walsh), Chibnall added: “Will the door be left open for them? You’ll have to see…

“With Brad, from the first conversation with him it was ‘I’m REALLY into this, Chibs, really into it’.”

While Doctor Jodie Whittakar described how filming the final scenes with the two were difficult.

She exclaimed: “On a personal note – absolutely devastated! Filming the last scenes with those actors… both of them had to carry me to my trailer.



Writer Chibnall revealed the experience was ‘very enotional’

Jodie Whittaker who plays the Doctor admitted she was also devastated by the change

The special episode will air on New Year’s Day

“I’ve not cried like that for such a long time. Brad couldn’t cope with it at all. I think that sums up how I feel.

“I felt incredibly bereaved. This started as us, and that’s so unique.”

Whittaker added: “All of our journey’s been together, as a family, and we clicked like a family.”

Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks airs on New Year’s Day on BBC One.