Step into the whimsical world of Doctor Who with showrunner Russell T Davies as he takes us behind the scenes of the seasonal special, 'The Church on Ruby Road.' In a commentary on BBC iPlayer, Davies delightedly shares with Millie Gibson, who plays new companion Ruby Sunday, the inspiration behind the giant snowman that nearly obliterates her taxi. Brace yourselves, because this delightful disaster is inspired by none other than Manchester's iconic Christmas tradition!
For over three decades, the city of Manchester has been adorned with a magnificent giant Santa decoration during the festive season. Perched atop the town hall since 1986, this beloved display has brought joy to the people, becoming an iconic fixture in the city's Christmas celebrations. It's a symbol of merriment and holiday cheer, capturing the hearts of both young and old.
The gargantuan snowman in 'The Church on Ruby Road' pays homage to this cherished Manchester tradition. Davies, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, explains how the idea struck him like a bolt of festive lightning. Inspired by the Santa clinging to Manchester's town hall clock, he thought, 'What kind of disaster can you do?' And thus, the giant snowman was born, threatening to bring chaos down upon Ruby Sunday's unsuspecting cab.
Davies, known for his deep connection to the city, has a special fondness for Manchester. It has served as the backdrop for several of his notable projects, including the groundbreaking series 'Queer as Folk,' which explored the vibrant LGBTQ+ community of the city. Manchester has been an essential part of Davies' storytelling tapestry, weaving its vibrant threads into the fabric of his narratives.
Not limited to television, Davies' love affair with Manchester continued throughout his career. He returned to the city in his subsequent projects, such as 'Cucumber,' 'Banana,' 'Tofu,' and 'Years and Years,' where he delved into the lives of its diverse inhabitants against the backdrop of science fiction and human drama. His acclaimed 2021 series, 'It's A Sin,' also found its home within Manchester, with the city transformed into a vibrant 1980s backdrop.
Now, Doctor Who's illustrious history meets the enchanting spirit of Manchester in 'The Church on Ruby Road.' As we watch the towering snowman threaten to squash Ruby Sunday's taxi, we are reminded of the beautiful synchronicity between the real world and the fantastical universe of the Doctor. Davies masterfully infuses a touch of his personal connection to the city, creating a truly magical moment that showcases the unique and thrilling nature of the Doctor's adventures.
While this Manchester-inspired spectacle may only be a fleeting scene in 'The Church on Ruby Road,' it leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers. It captures the essence of Doctor Who, where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary, where the fantastical blends seamlessly with the familiar. It is a moment that encapsulates the boundless imagination and whimsy that defines this beloved time-traveling series.
So, as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Doctor Who season 14, we can take solace in knowing that the genius of Russell T Davies continues to enchant us, drawing inspiration from unexpected places. Who knows what other delightful surprises await us in the magical world of the Doctor? With Manchester's Santa lending a touch of enchantment to 'The Church on Ruby Road,' we can rest assured that the upcoming season will be an equally marvelous and thrilling ride through time and space.
Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road is currently available on Disney+ for international viewers and BBC iPlayer for UK audiences. So, gather your TARDIS and prepare for a whimsical adventure filled with baby-eating goblins and a collapsing giant snowman, all while the enigmatic Fifteenth Doctor takes center stage alongside the extraordinary Ruby Sunday.
Get ready for an unforgettable journey, dear readers. It's time to hop aboard the TARDIS and allow the magic of Doctor Who to transport us to places both real and imagined. May 2024 bring us another thrilling season, brimming with eccentricity, mystery, and the timeless charm that has made this series a worldwide phenomenon.
Exciting times are ahead, Whovians! Hold on tight, and let the Doctor's astounding imagination take you on an unforgettable voyage through time and space.
