Fans of the long-running science fiction series can look forward to a festive treat as Big Finish Productions and Doctor Who officially announce a brand-new Christmas audio special. Titled The Wash, the full-cast audio drama brings together Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor and Carole Ann Ford’s Susan Foreman for an unexpected holiday adventure.
The special will stream live on the official Doctor Who YouTube channel on Tuesday, December 22. Following its premiere, the audio drama will remain free to stream for one month, giving global audiences a chance to experience the story together over the holiday season.
Plot Details for The Ninth Doctor Adventures: The Wash
Written by Robert Valentine, The Wash takes place against a uniquely mundane backdrop. While Rose and Jackie Tyler dive into early Christmas preparations, the Ninth Doctor decides to handle the laundry. He heads over to The Wash Inn, a local launderette on the Powell Estate.
Described as a haven for lonely souls, The Wash Inn is an appropriate stop for the last of the Time Lords. The location quickly proves to be more than just a place to clean clothes. Alongside unexpected dangers, the Doctor grapples with memories of his granddaughter, Susan Foreman. The story asks listeners what strange forces might lurk inside an ordinary washing machine and whether the Doctor can clean up the mess.
Reuniting Two Generations of Time Lords
The production marks a historic pairing, as Christopher Eccleston and Carole Ann Ford share audio space together for the first time. Ford originated the role of Susan Foreman alongside William Hartnell’s First Doctor in the 1963 premiere episode, “An Unearthly Child.”
Reflecting on the collaboration, Christopher Eccleston praised the script and the chance to work with a foundational member of the franchise. “This was a brilliant, really outstanding script, I thought,” Eccleston said. “I love that notion that as we go through our lives, particularly if you’re a Time Lord, everybody you meet remains with you. And working with Carole was really exciting. I’d been looking forward to it. I think that An Unearthly Child is the greatest episode ever made… And she’s a pro, she was absolutely brilliant-a real honour.”
Carole Ann Ford echoed the sentiment, highlighting the dynamic between the two characters in the script. “Acting opposite Chris was wonderful, marvellous. It’s such a strong story. Susan pushes this Doctor to try and sort himself out and not be so touchy with people. I think listeners will be cheering Susan on!”
How to Listen and Purchase Options
While the audio drama streams for free on YouTube starting December 22, physical and digital ownership options are available through the Big Finish website:
- Digital Download: Priced at £16.99, including behind-the-scenes content, available on December 23.
- Collector’s Edition CD: Priced at £19.99, packaged with a collectible Christmas card. Limited strictly to 3,000 copies.
Pre-orders are currently live on the official Big Finish website. Due to shipping schedules, physical CD deliveries are not guaranteed to arrive before Christmas Day, though digital unlocks will accompany purchases from the release date.
