Chatting with Doctor Who Magazine, Steven Moffat has been elaborating on the “last minute” of this years’ Christmas special, namely the very first appearance of Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor.
When Twice Upon a Time ends, we’ll not only be saying goodbye to the Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi, but Moffat too who will be making way for Broadchurch creator and writer, Chris Chibnall.
Moffat told DWM that, while we shall grieve for the end of one Doctor, we shall also fall in love with another:

“I must be honest, everyone’s watching for the last minute and people are going to absolutely love Jodie. Then they’ll notice that, at the same time, they miss Peter, but it’s not like it’ll be a grieving process. Or rather, with a new Doctor, it’s always grieving and falling in love simultaneously.”

This emotional journey of saying goodbye to one era and ushering in another also goes for the showrunners too. Moffat went on to talk about the emotional process of handing over the keys to the TARDIS to Chibnall:

“It’s an odd feeling. It’s just weird. You suddenly realise that the new guy, the new showrunner, has to come barrelling through the door and take over. It’s a slightly bewildering feeling. But it’s an amazing process.”

Although he wasn’t present for Whittaker’s first moments as the Doctor, Moffat has seen the footage and has nothing but nice things to say about her introduction:

“It’s slightly strange and very, very good. Jodie put a smile on my face immediately. She was funny from the off. I thought that was great.”

DWM #520 is available to buy now, priced £5.99.