DOCTOR WHO devastated fans when it was revealed the show wouldn’t be returning to screens until 2020 after Jodie Whittaker’s first series as the Time Lord. However, there are claims floating about suggesting a special Christmas episode could be airing this year.

Doctor Who caused controversy when they announced there would be no Christmas Special and instead a New Year’s on-off episode was show.

Following that, BBC fans were further disappointed when show runners explained season 12 wouldn’t be returning to screens until 2020.

However, to tide viewers over until the new series, there is reportedly going to be a Christmas Special airing later this year.

It comes after the Daily Star claimed the broadcaster was considering creating a mid-season instalment after being ‘disappointed’ only 5.5million fans tuned in for the January one-off.

A spokesperson added to the publication:

“This is just speculation. It is far too early to say what the schedules will be at that time of year.”

The upcoming series will be the second with Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor, the thirteenth in the show’s run.

Nevertheless, it has been confirmed that Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill will be reprising their roles and joining the Time Lord on more adventures.

And one other thing they can expect to see is the Daleks.

The New Year’s special showed a revamped look of the iconic alien, which divided some fans, but Jodie defended the change.

“I really can’t wait to step back in and get to work again. It’s such an incredible role. It’s been an extraordinary journey so far and I’m not quite ready to hand it over yet,” she told the press.

It has been previously suggested the actress has signed a similar deal to her predecessors, Matt Smith and David Tennant.

Should this be the case, season 13 could be Jodie’s last as the Doctor.

Doctor Who returns to BBC One next year.