It’s surprising how quickly the Doctor Who Christmas Special became something of an institution. Back in 2007 I remember my dad anticipating Voyage of the Damned – only the third of the revived series’ Specials – by reminding the rest of the family that watching Doctor Who on Christmas Day was “a tradition”.

In issue 530’s editorial I wrote about being pleased that the series was moving to Sundays, arguing that the Saturday night line-up and viewing habits have now changed beyond all recognition. Anybody who’s been reading Tom Spilsbury’s excellent Public Image columns won’t need me to tell them that Doctor Who is once again a massive ratings hit and that Sunday evenings are exactly where it needs to be. The show’s festive Specials have also done well, but unlike the old Saturday evening slot I don’t have any nostalgia for Doctor Who on Christmas Day. Why not? Mainly because it’s the only time of year when you’re obliged to share Doctor Who with people who aren’t really fans or, at worst, actively dislike it.