Today the BBC released the trailer for its much anticipated series 12 of Britain’s long-running and beloved Doctor Who. After nearly a year of Doctor-less television, everyone’s favorite time traveling alien will return on January 1, 2020 and the trailer gives us a minute long glimpse into the new season. Ready for something awesome?

After doing a series to get their feet under them, Chibnall and company have now hit stride and are running confidently with Jodie Whittaker as the new Doctor. Whitakker’s first season was good, though uneven in spots, but the difference between last series and this one is almost breathtaking.

Perhaps the biggest news shown in the trailer are its guest stars, which included Stephen Fry and Sir Lenny Henry. In response to being included in the star studded world of Doctor Who, Fry was quoted as saying, “Short of being picked for a British space exploration programme, and I readily concede that I’m past the age where I’d be considered (if I was ever the right age for such a posting), then being in an episode of Doctor Who will certainly do as a sweet second-place excitement.”

Henry, a household name and comedian in Britain, said, “It was absolutely brilliant to be welcomed into the fantastical world of Doctor Who. The nearest I have been to the TARDIS was when I played the Caribbean Doctor in The Lenny Henry Show, so as a lifelong (hiding-behind-the-sofa-type) Doctor Who fan, this is a very special moment for me.”

Both Fry and Henry will appear in the first episode of season 12 and show runner Chris Chibnall announced that “Doctor Who is coming back with a bang- with two great British icons in major roles.” Chibnall added, “One of the great joys of Doctor Who is getting to work with actors from your wish list. Stephen and Lenny are two of my absolute favorite actors- and to be able to bring them into Doctor Who, in one of our biggest ever stories to kick off the new season, is an absolute thrill.”

But for Whovians it was perhaps the shots of the Doctor’s foes in the upcoming season. On display were Cyber-men, Judoon and even, it appears, the Rocnoss. We may even see, or so my dear old dad hopes, more of the Daleks. Many of these baddies are almost as iconic as the Doctor herself, so to see them back on screen is always a joy.

Also back in the TARDIS are companions Graham (Bradley Walsh), Ryan (Tosin Cole) and Yasmin (Mandip Gill). Season 12 promises to delve furthur into each character and to bring in even more exciting story lines. Long time fans will know to expect equal amounts of adventure, fear, laughter and tears.

Today, incidentally, is also the 56th anniversary of Doctor Who and clearly the BBC has not forgotten this fact in choosing today for the release of the trailer for the upcoming season. You can watch the trailer right here, or see it live on BBC at 2pm (EST), or if you’re in the UK like me, on BBC1 at 7pm just before Strictly Come Dancing.

So make sure you have a nice hot cuppa and a plate of custard creams ready, and enjoy the trailer!

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