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Doctor Who boss reveals why New Year’s Day episode reduced him to tears ahead of major cast shake-up

DOCTOR Who boss Chris Chibnall has revealed why the show's New Year's Day episode reduced him to tears ahead of its major cast shake-up.

A special screening of the show is set to wow fans over the festive period, but Chris admits it was "very emotional" for both cast and crew.

Doctor Who boss Chris Chibnall had tears over the New Year's Day special
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Doctor Who boss Chris Chibnall had tears over the New Year's Day specialCredit: BBC STUDIOS

His comments refer to the fact that Revolution of the Daleks will be the last ever Doctor Who episode for actors Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole.

He told TV Mag: "It’s very emotional. We’ve all been in tears watching it.

"It’s an important part of the mix of the special, where you get thrills and spills and humour but also emotion.

"It’s hard but we don’t shy away from what is means for this family to have its final moments together."

Bradley Walsh will appear in his final episode
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Bradley Walsh will appear in his final episodeCredit: BBC
It will also be the last for Tosin Cole
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It will also be the last for Tosin ColeCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

He went on: "You would never have known they’d all get on so well, we all feel very lucky that that happened. It’s reflected on and off screen.

"I hope it’s a good send off for those two characters, whatever happens to them."

But teasing that there could be a return for pair, who play Ryan (Cole) and Graham (Walsh), Chibnall added: "Will the door be left open for them? You’ll have to see…

"With Brad, from the first conversation with him it was ‘I’m REALLY into this, Chibs, really into it'."

While Doctor Jodie Whittakar described how filming the final scenes with the two were difficult.

She exclaimed: "On a personal note - absolutely devastated! Filming the last scenes with those actors… both of them had to carry me to my trailer.

Writer Chibnall revealed the experience was 'very enotional'
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Writer Chibnall revealed the experience was 'very enotional'Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Jodie Whittaker who plays the Doctor admitted she was also devastated by the change
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Jodie Whittaker who plays the Doctor admitted she was also devastated by the changeCredit: BBC
The special episode will air on New Year's Day
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The special episode will air on New Year's DayCredit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

"I’ve not cried like that for such a long time. Brad couldn’t cope with it at all. I think that sums up how I feel.

"I felt incredibly bereaved. This started as us, and that’s so unique."

Whittaker added: "All of our journey’s been together, as a family, and we clicked like a family."

Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks airs on New Year's Day on BBC One.

Doctor Who releases the first trailer for New Year's Day episode Revolution of the Daleks
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