This is your thirdDoctor WhoChristmas special in a row

I know, I got a hat trick!

[Laughs]

and all as different characters.

Quite unique in the Whoniverse.

Which was very good for me but it was a good story as well.

Third time around, its very fortunate.

Its really on Christmas Day sitting down after a couple of bottles and watching yourself entertaining the nation.

Thats a pretty nice feeling really!

[Laughs]

How does it feel not be playing someone whosnotStrax inDoctor Who?

It was great actually.

The first day was like, Ah, this is my actual face on camera!

[Laughs] What am I doing?

[Laughs] Obviously with Straxs face its a mask that I have to almost choreograph.

With this, cos its my face, theoretically its a lot more easy to manipulate!

[Laughs] Its been great to have that opportunity.

Has Steven written this part, playing to your strengths?

I think hes aware of what I can do, certainly.

Its a slightly more comic character, perhaps.

Do you have any input in to the many prequels, online reports and cinema intros youve filmed?

Its quite specifically written, but my performance is there.

Does the 2014Doctor WhoChristmas Special deal with theDoctor WhoSeries 8 story arc?

Not as far as Im aware.

Im watching it on television as it unfolds so, as far as I know, no.

[This interview was conducted halfway through the recent series.]

Were both Santas little helpers undermining Santas authority, at various points.

Its a lovely script.

Its got quite a dream-like hallucinatory feel in certain places.

Its very nice and Christmassy in that its got a ghost story edge to it even though its science-fictiony.

Its got a MR James quality creeping chills and stuff.

Its got a good mixture of those two things.

The costumes are beautiful, theyre actually handmade.

Just look at the shoes, the shoes are something special.

Thats all Ill say!

[Laughs] Its pretty special!

How has the transition of Matt Smith to Peter Capaldi been for you as a fan?

The audience has to come to him a bit more.

But hes still THE Doctor.

Its interesting having a Doctor whos a bit more abrasive as well.

I like that quality as well, something that is very alien and also slightly childish as well.

Its a nice combination.

Is it still as much a thrill getting an acting gig onDoctor Whoas it was back in 2008?

Oh God yes, absolutely.

Its always lovely seeing what will be dreamed up next.

Do you think Steven would like a Paternoster Gang spin-off show?

[Laughs] In theory I think it would be great to have some Victorian hi-jinx!