Jodie Whittaker had a tough time filming the Doctor Who holiday special, but for a very good reason. Whittaker made her debut as the Thirteenth Doctor in the final moments of 2017’s holiday special. She’s the first woman to take on the title role, marking an exciting step for the series. The Thirteenth Doctor’s companions include Ryan Sinclair ((Tosin Cole), Ryan’s stepgrandfather Graham O’Brien (Bradley Walsh), and Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill). All three characters debuted in season 11, Whittaker’s first as the show’s lead. Unfortunately, two of the three are on their way out. Earlier this year, Whittaker confirmed Doctor Who‘s holiday special will also serve as Cole and Walsh’s last episode.
The special, titled “Revolution of the Daleks,” airs January 1 on BBC America. It will feature several characters aside from the Thirteenth Doctor and her companions, including Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman). Barrowman made his long-awaited return in season 12 and has been open about wanting to return for future episodes after the holiday special. However, at this point, none have been confirmed. The Doctor Who cast is currently filming season 13, which will air in 2021.
Speaking with EW, Whittaker discussed her experience shooting the holiday special, noting it wasn’t entirely positive. This was due to the upcoming exits of Cole and Walsh. Whittaker explained:
I was absolutely beside myself. I don’t have a poker face. It’s my actual job, so I should be better at it. But I remember when they called wrap on that day, Tosin was like, ‘Calm Down!’ I’d gone, I’d absolutely gone. In a way, it’s just reflective of the time we’ve had and this journey. I’m really lucky. Me and Mandip are still in the journey, but, because it was the end of us four, and us four have been so tight, it was one of those things. I know that in my life, this is one of the best things that will ever happen to me and the best times that I will ever have on set. This job is this thing that is untouchable. There’ll be a million other amazing experiences, hopefully. But if I do this for 20 seasons I know my first time as the Doctor was with this family as this four and this is our time — a Goonies moment, it’s our time! I felt very much like a kid in a well. I was so sad.
Whittaker’s reaction is understandable, especially consider the size of Doctor Who‘s core cast. As she mentions, she’s formed a bond with Cole, Walsh, and Gill since they’ve worked together essentially since her debut as the Thirteenth Doctor. With a cast that small it makes sense an intense, familial relationship developed. The massive popularity of Doctor Who also likely played a role in the bond between the four actors. It’s a big undertaking to join a show with a passionate fan base, and the cast was likely able to lean on one another for necessary support.
As Whittaker notes, though, she and Gill will continue on into season 13, which should come as a relief to viewers. It will help Doctor Who‘s new season maintain the spirit of those that came before it, despite the departures of Cole and Walsh. It will be interesting to see how their characters exit in the holiday special. Hopefully, the episode serves as a satisfying conclusion to part of the Thirteenth Doctor’s story while also building anticipation for what comes next. Audiences will find out for sure when “Revolution of the Daleks” airs this week.
Source: EW
Originally from https://screenrant.com/doctor-who-jodie-whittaker-holiday-special-filming-reaction/