This episode is a celebration: Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall on the Daleks epic return to Doctor Who

The Daleks are back, and as evil as they are, it feels so good.

The Doctor Who New Years Day special introduced the first classic monster of the series, with Jodie Whittakers Doctor finally meeting the dastardly Daleks.

And while the secret was kept under wraps until the release of the trailer, with Jodies first series focusing on new monsters, it was always Chris Chibnalls plan to bring back the Doctors foe.

Speaking at a special screening of the episode at Londons BFI, the showrunner said: Well, we knew we wanted something big for the end of series special and knowing that we would have no old monsters during the series was really a build-up for the special. So when you see the Dalek its exciting and thrilling. And the first moment you see Jodie meeting this iconic monster – we knew we wanted to do that as a climax to the first series.

Agreeing that it felt like the right end to this season, Jodie said: It makes us all very proud. For Whovians and new Whovians, this is as epic for you guys as it is for us, because this is the first time for some fans that they encounter this particular moment in the history of the show. And for other fans, like old Brad, this episode is a celebration.

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Something like the spiders episode, that was really interesting for us guys because I dont think any of us have worked with our imaginations to such an extent before. Because its just a tennis ball, so you have to commit and really believe theyre going to be as scary as were reacting to. But this episode, what was amazing was that everything was there. The amazing production, costume, make-up design, all the development was for us to have that very visceral reaction.

And while the return of the Daleks was a big treat for devoted Whovians, it was also a surprise for cast member Bradley Walsh.

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The Chase host, who plays the Doctors companion Graham, said: I stopped watching the show when Patrick [Troughton] stopped doing it. The days of the black and white screen were the halcyon days. Then I did other things, I never used to be in on a Saturday because I was playing football for a living, so I never used to watch it.

But I got a Dalek as a toy, as a Christmas present, and to be part of this show, and then to see that – that is one of the best things Ive seen in a long, long, long while. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Im thrilled to be part of that, its awe-inspiring, its like watching a movie.

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The New Years Day special saw a Dalek returning to Earth after being dug up by archaeologists, with the monsters inner workings taking over the body of one and taking control.

Thankfully, Ryans dads dodgy microwave oven came in handy against the murderous alien.

Doctor Who will return in 2020.

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