EntertainmentTVSci-Fi ShowsDoctor WhoDoctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies teases season 2’s “scariest episode” and a “big surprise” from the mysterious Mrs FloodWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentTVSci-Fi ShowsDoctor WhoDoctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies teases season 2’s “scariest episode” and a “big surprise” from the mysterious Mrs FloodWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: BBC)

As 2024 draws to a close we are starting to get excited about what is to come next year, withDoctor Who season 2being high on that list.
However, showrunner Russell T Davies is beginning to lift the lid a little, teasing the upcoming season at a recent Q&A GamesRadar+ attended following a screening of this year’s Christmas special ‘Joy to the World’.
Asked what he can tell us about the second season, Davies revealed that they recently finished work on an episode which his sister very much enjoyed: “We finished an episode on Friday, I showed it to my sister and she sat there, she was literally on the edge of her seat.”
What’s more exciting though is the tease about what Davies promises is the most terrifying episode of the upcoming season, which features “phenomenal” guest stars. He won’t reveal any of the actors involved though aside from Rose Ayling-Ellis, a deaf actor who is best known for playing Frankie Lewis on EastEnders.
Davies shares with the audience that she gives a tremendous performance: “We’ve got a story with Rose Ayling-Ellis in the lead. She’s the lead in one episode which is stunning, I think it’s our scariest episode, it’s absolutely terrifying, she’s magnificent in it… to see Ncuti with her. And other guest names in that cast are phenomenal. There are great episodes to come, a whole range – mad ones, scary ones, completely mad ones.”
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Naturally, Davies doesn’t want to say much on the matter, but he reveals that she will have a prominent role with a major reveal: “And more Anita Dobbs… a lot more Anita Dobbs. She’s got a big surprise.”
‘Joy to the World’ premieres on Christmas Day via BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, whilst in the US you can watch it onDisneyPlus. Check out ourDoctor Who 2024 Christmas special reviewfor our full verdict.
And for more of what to watch over the festive season, here are our picks of thebest Christmas movies.
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