Doctor Who 2024 Christmas Special Writer Teases An Answer To “The Longest Standing Mystery” In The Universe
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special writer Steven Moffat has teased an answer to “the longest standing mystery” in the universe, both in and out of the show. The forthcoming special marks the start of Doctor Who season 15, bringing Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor back for a second season in a row. The episode, titled “Joy to the World,” features the Doctor going on a multi-world quest with a woman named Joy (Nicola Coughlan), involving a Christmas theme and a direct encounter with himself from the future.
But, speaking with Radio Times, Moffat also teased an answer to what he describes as “the longest standing mystery” in both our universe, and the Doctor Who universe. Being vague about what exactly this means, the episode writer, and former showrunner, indicated it was a question many viewers will have been asking since they were young, finally getting a definitive answer in the special. Check out what Moffat had to say below:
This year, the Doctor will tell you the answer to that question you’ve been asking since you were a small child. The solution to the longest-standing mystery in not merely the Doctor Who universe, but the universe as a whole. Watch on Christmas Day!
What Moffat’s Tease Means For Doctor Who’s 2024 Christmas Special
The upcoming Christmas special will be a very important one for the series, following the end of Doctor Who season 14, which saw Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) leave the TARDIS. While she’s poised to return at a later date, the special will see the Doctor on his own as he tries to protect Joy from whatever forces are after her. This may lead directly into the major events of season 15, which will premiere in 2025. It could also set the stage for larger events throughout Gatwa’s run, which is anticipated to continue beyond the next batch of episodes.
As for Moffat’s tease, his wording indicates Santa Claus may appear in the upcoming special, the big question being whether the mythical gift-giver is real. Since the title, “Joy to the World,” refers to George Frideric’s classic Christmas carol, it makes sense to expect Saint Nick, especially after the writer’s major hint. However, he’s already appeared in the cast of Doctor Who during the revival’s first Christmas special, “A Christmas Carol.” While Nick Frost could reprise his role, the special could have an entirely new take altogether.
Our Take On Doctor Who’s “Longest Standing Mystery” Tease
Given Santa has fallen into mythology, even within the Doctor Who universe, it’s possible he’ll still reappear in a new way in the special episode. This could involve some new rendition of him that begins delivering gifts in the present day, or the show tackles the figure’s history, much like it has in the past. No matter the “long standing mystery” the new episode has in store, it’s shaping up to be a memorable holiday special.
