As Doctor Who fans prepare to bid farewell to Jodie Whittaker in her final episode as the iconic Time Lord, many will be wondering just when they can expect to see Ncuti Gatwa make his debut.
MORE: Billie Piper's return to TV revealed amid Doctor Who return rumours
Sunday's episode will mark the actress' final outing as the Doctor before Ncuti takes on the role. But when exactly will we see him on our screens?
WATCH: Are you a fan of the series?
When will Ncuti Gatwa make his debut as the Doctor?
Sunday night's episode saw Jodie Whittaker bow out as the Doctor, with David Tennant returning to the role in an epic regeneration scene. The new incarnation is officially being referred to as the 14th doctor, meaning that Ncuti will take on the role as the 15th.
Following the three anniversary specials in November next year, Ncuti will take over the iconic role, with his first episode airing "over the festive period". It's unclear whether this will be a Christmas Day episode or a New Year's Day slot.
MORE: Doctor Who fans think Peter Capaldi is returning after Russell T Davies drops major hint
MORE: Doctor Who casts Heartstopper star as new 'Rose' - and fans have questions
Speaking about the upcoming episodes, returning showrunner Russell T Davies said: "If you thought the appearance of David Tennant was a shock, we’ve got plenty more surprises on the way! "The path to Ncuti’s Fifteenth Doctor is laden with mystery, horror, robots, puppets, danger and fun!
"And how is it connected to the return of the wonderful Donna Noble (Catherine Tate)? How, what, why? We’re giving you a year to speculate, and then all hell lets loose!"
On taking on the part, Ncuti said in a statement released to the BBC back in May: "This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my utmost to do the same."
Fans should expect to see Ncuti as the 14th Doctor in November next year
The special will also see David Tennant and Catherine Tate return as the Tenth Doctor and Donna Noble. The pair played one of the most loved Doctor/companion duos in the series, with David appearing in the show for five years from 2005 to 2010, while Catherine made her debut in the 2006 Christmas special before appearing in season four in 2008.
Just exactly how the pair will be involved in the birthday episode is so far unclear, with the BBC simply teasing: "The Doctor and Donna parted ways when the Doctor had to wipe Donna's memory, making her forget him, in order to save her life. He left her family with a warning: if ever she remembers, she will die.
© Photo: BBCDavid Tennant and Catherine Tate are returning as the tenth Doctor and Donna
"But with the two coming face to face once more, the big question is, just what brings the Doctor and Donna back together?"
Like this story? Sign up to our What to Watch newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.
