For the first time in 13 years there will be no Doctor Who episode on Christmas Day, with the BBC choosing to air the sci-fi programme on New Year's Day instead.
It will be the first time since the series returned in 2005 that fans will not be able to get their fix on 25th December.
However, it will not be the first time the show has been aired on 1st January as the second episode of David Tennant's series exit was aired on the first day of 2010.
The BBC has decided to air Doctor Who on New Years Day instead of Christmas Day.
Advert
Chris Chibnall, the series executive producer, announced the news and added that the episode will see the Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) 'face a terrifying alien threat'.
Announcing the news, Chibnall said: "We're thrilled to be starting the New Year with a bang on BBC One, as Jodie Whittaker's Doctor and friends face a terrifying alien threat in an action-packed, hour-long special adventure for all the family."
BBC's director of content Charlotte Moore added: "We're delighted the Doctor and her companions will be welcoming BBC One audiences into 2019 with this exciting new episode. The Doctor's fans are in for a special treat on the first day of the new year."
It will be the frist time in 13 years that the show hasn't had a Christmas special.
Advert
Fans of the show still have four more episodes of the current series to enjoy, with the final episode airing on the 9th November.
However, fans are not happy about the switch from Christmas to New Year, and many took to Twitter after the news was announced.
One upset fan wrote: "No way it's so not going to be the same on Christmas Day.
Fans have started a petition to bring the programme back to Christmas Day.
Advert
"My little girl to her age, now 17. She snuggled on the sofa, getting so exited, shouting 'mum, quick it's nearly on'. It's a family thing. I hope there is a good reason [sic],"
Another added: "It's the only present I look forward to on Christmas day...stuff the turkey bahh humbug [sic]."
A petition has also been launched on change.org and it has already garnered 2,500 signatures.
The description for the petition reads: "Chris Chibnall, the showrunner of Doctor Who, has now informed the public that he has not written a Doctor Who Christmas Special.
"This move - that clearly sends the message 'bah humbug' - breaks 13 years of tradition, and easily lands Chibnall a cold spot amongst some of Christmas's most notorious detractors, such as Ebenezer Scrooge or The Grinch.
Advert
"It has now been confirmed - by Doctor Who Magazine - that the plans are to instead create a New Year themed special, and forever leave alone the tradition of Christmas. This will air on NYD.
"In a recent poll of over 150 people, 8 of every 9 people asked said they'd prefer a Christmas Special to a New Years one, providing no obvious motive for this move."
Featured Image Credit: BBCTopics: TV News, TV Entertainment