Are the Daleks back in Doctor Who yet?

Your weekly guide to the (possible) return of the Doctor’s greatest foe – because nobody believes they’re actually not coming back

Published: Tuesday, 1 January 2019 at 6:01 pm

"The Daleks aren’t in Doctor Who this series."

Ad

We were told this fact over and over again in the run-up to Jodie Whittaker’s first series at the helm of the Tardis, and overall it seems like a genuinely good thing.

Yes, the cyborg, genocidal mutants from Skaro are the Doctor’s most iconic foes. Yes, their design is probably as associated with the Doctor Who brand as the Tardis, and yes, a highlight of any new Doctor is seeing them go up against their tinpot nemeses.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as YouTube may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow YouTube and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

But over the years these reasons have made the Daleks incredibly overused as Doctor Who villains, and it's about time they took a break – especially in a series that new boss Chris Chibnall was keen to make accessible for first-time viewers.

“I don't know how many times I need to say it,” a slightly frustrated Chibnall told RadioTimes.com at a set visit.

“There are no old monsters this series. OK?”

We completely get his reasoning and support his decision, and enjoyed meeting an all-new cast of exciting alien foes this year.

And yet. And yet.

Where my Daleks at?

Let’s get real - they aren’t really benching the Daleks, right? This must be a massive double bluff, a red herring, an extra layer of secrecy. They’re the Daleks – they’re part of the Doctor Who recipe.

It’d be like bringing back Line of Duty without Ted Hastings’ weird colloquialisms, Game of Thrones without endless scenes of Kit Harington sulking, or doing a series of Poldark where Aidan Turner wears sensible outdoor clothing at all times.

Nope, this Dalek disappearance feels mighty fishy to us – and here at RadioTimes.com, we’re determined to uphold the values of the fourth estate and topple this wall of secrecy.

Which is why as time goes on we’ll be asking one simple question, and updating our answer as and when any information changes.

If you haven’t seen the latest episode, we’d advise you look away now, lest the surprise presence of Daleks ruins your anticipation – or even if their expected absence is enough to ruin your immersion.

Are the Daleks back in Doctor Who yet?

Almost!! In a massive coup for the Dalek lobby, a new BBC trailer has suggested that the Doctor's greatest foes will return in the New Year's Day special Resolution. Listen below right to the end...

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Twitter may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Twitter and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Until then, faithful readers - our #Dalekwatch continues. Any sightings welcome.

Doctor Who airs on BBC1

Ad

This article was originally published on 5 October 2018

Authors

Radio Times commissioning editor Huw Fullerton. He sits in front of a shelving unit, looking at the camera and smiling. He wears glasses and has a moustache

Huw FullertonCommissioning editor

Huw Fullerton is a commissioning editor for Radio Times magazine handling comedy, entertainment and specialist drama. In a previous regeneration, he covered all things sci-fi and fantasy for RadioTimes.com.

Ad

Ad

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec

Loading...

Ad

Loading...