The Church on Ruby Road

Context

When Doctor Who released its Christmas Special, The Church on Ruby Road, fans were hyped. Ncuti Gatwa, taking over as the Doctor, had big shoes to fill, especially after his amazing role in Sex Education. The anticipation was high with a new Doctor and companion duo in the mix, and the special definitely had a lot to live up to. Filming in Cardiff, a city with so much Doctor Who history, made it even more exciting for fans. I was lucky enough to meet both Ncuti and Millie Gibson (Ruby Sunday) while I was there, so the special holds a special place in my heart. It was clear from the start that this was going to be a fun, festive ride with a lot of classic Doctor Who charm, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Synopsis

In The Church on Ruby Road, the Doctor and Ruby Sunday (played by Millie Gibson) get caught up in a strange mystery involving Ruby’s mother. They end up investigating a weird church that seems to have some unusual connections to Ruby’s past. There’s a snowman-like creature, some musical magic, and a lot of Christmas vibes mixed in. As the Doctor and Ruby team up, they start to unravel a mystery about Ruby’s mother, which leads them on a dangerous but festive adventure. Along the way, there’s a bit of comedy, a bit of mystery, and a lot of heartwarming moments that make it feel like a true Christmas special.

Review

The Church on Ruby Road is a Doctor Who Christmas special that delivers on fun and festive energy. The chemistry between Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson is fantastic. Having met them both in Cardiff, I can say that their connection onscreen feels real, and they bring an exciting dynamic to their roles. It’s easy to see why fans are loving their partnership—their banter is great, and it feels like they’ve been working together for much longer than they have. This duo definitely has something special that makes the show feel fresh and exciting.

Ncuti Gatwa’s performance as the Doctor is exactly what fans were hoping for. The guy has mad talent, and his portrayal of the Doctor is a perfect mix of humor, mystery, and emotion. One scene that stands out is when the Doctor gets "snowmanned"—a hilarious moment that was filmed later due to Disney+ feedback. It’s moments like this that make the Doctor such a memorable and lovable character. With Ncuti bringing so much energy, it’s easy to see why expectations were high going into this special.

The music in the episode also deserves a mention. The Goblin Song scene was a standout, and while it was fun, it’s a good thing it didn’t become a regular feature in later episodes. Still, it’s crazy to think that the track actually hit number one on the UK charts for a day. That’s some Doctor Who magic right there! It adds a fun, quirky vibe to the episode that works for this special but wouldn’t quite fit in all the time.

The mystery of Ruby’s mother kept me hooked throughout the episode. While the reveal in the following season didn’t quite live up to the buildup, I still think this episode sets things up really well. It was a good mystery, and it kept me invested, even though the later reveal left a bit to be desired. Ruby’s family is also a big highlight. I loved the character of Cherry Sunday—she brought a lot of heart and humor to the story. The way the family dynamic is shown adds a lot of depth to Ruby’s character, making her journey with the Doctor even more meaningful.

Visually, the episode is gorgeous. There are some truly cinematic moments, like the scene on the ladder and Ruby entering the TARDIS for the first time. It’s a great mix of emotional and visually impressive. The direction from Mark Tonderai really shines here. Murray Gold’s music also deserves special mention, particularly the companion theme for Ruby. The track used during emotional moments really brought a lot of depth to the episode, and it’s one of the highlights of the special.

Now, this special isn’t exactly a Doctor Who masterpiece, but it’s close enough. It delivers the right amount of fun, warmth, and excitement to make it a solid Christmas special. The only downside is that it might be a little too light for some newer viewers, especially since Doctor Who has been leaning into more mature and adult tones in recent years. Looking back, it might’ve worked better if the lighter episodes were kept for the start of the second season. Younger audiences today tend to want something a little more grown-up, and I think that’s a point the show might need to keep in mind going forward. But that’s a small critique, and it doesn’t take away from how much I enjoyed this episode.

In the end, The Church on Ruby Road is a joyful, heartwarming Christmas special that’s perfect for the holiday season. The performances, the music, and the fun storyline make it one of the more enjoyable Doctor Who specials. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a lot of fun, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need from a Christmas special. I’m excited to see where Ruby and the Doctor go next!

23 dec. 2025

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