Matt Smith as The Doctor in Doctor Who: The Snowmen. Photo copyright of the BBC.
Returning to screens on Christmas Day, it is all change for Matt Smith’s Doctor with a new costume, a new hat and minus Amy Pond in this year's holiday special, Doctor Who: The Snowmen. In this second of five BBC America press interviews, he talks about what fans can expect from this festive treat and family tradition. Doctor Who: The Snowmen airs Tuesday, December 25th @ 9:00 p.m. EST/PST on BBC America.
"Lots of snow and a rather good villain," says Smith, chatting enthusiastically about this year’s Christmas special, Doctor Who: The Snowmen. Set in a Victorian snow covered England the episode opens with the Doctor feeling more 'bah humbug' than festive, as he struggles to get over the loss of his companions, Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill).
"He is slightly removed and not at his best," explains the actor. But after the Doctor meets a feisty young governess, Clara, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman do we see a change in the Doctor? "You get to see a different side to him," says Smith. "She is very different to Amy Pond. That, however, is the great thing about this show - reinvention. It keeps me as an actor on my toes!"
As well as seeing Matt Smith’s Doctor for the first time without his old companions, his character will be sporting a new costume complete with top hat. "It is a bit like the Doctor meets the Artful Dodger," reveals the actor.
So can we expect to see a period of grieving following the loss of Amy and Rory? "Grieving has its place," muses Smith, "but it is important to show that and then propel back in to adventure."
And that is exactly what this Christmas special does. Smith reveals that this Christmas, the Doctor will embark on a dangerous adventure – a quest that leads him to Darkover House where something sinister is lurking. As well as guest star Tom Ward (Silent Witness), Richard E Grant features as this year’s villain, Doctor Simeon. "He was a delight and brilliant at being villainous. Some actors are just made for the show and he was one of them. And he looked wonderful in Victorian garb," enthuses Smith.
Now a family tradition, the actor is chuffed to be part of the Christmas special, "I love being part of them. Family TV on Christmas Day is a great tradition and Doctor Who is at the heart of that."
So will Smith be making an appointment to watch on Christmas day? "Absolutely, I can’t wait," he says.
As noted above, photo copyright of the BBC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!
Comments