This exhilaratingly fun adventure features CGI goblins and Davina McCall, but it’s the raw magnetism of the new Doctor that’s the real joy. He’s astoundingly, knee-weakeningly smooth
The Doctor can be many things. They can change race, gender, age and even be from Salford, but one thing has to remain for each version to be convincing. They have to be so charismatic that their companion would undoubtedly leave their life behind to follow them through space and time. Now, with the Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa perfectly cast in the role, not only does it make complete sense for young Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) to race straight into the Tardis, but it’s hard not to make a run at the telly and beg him to take you, too.
He was briefly introduced at the end of the 60th anniversary special where David Tennant’s Doctor “bi-generated” and Gatwa stepped out of his predecessor wearing just a shirt and a grin. This Christmas special, The Church on Ruby Road, sees the Fifteenth Doctor in full lead mode, taking on carnivorous baby-snatching goblins with Sunday at his side.
Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road aired on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.
