The latest issue of the Radio Times has a big Doctor Who reveal on its cover, a spoiler that’ll rival the 2007 Dalek Sec hybrid in excitement (ahem): the newest Dalek design, which will debut this festive season, in Revolution of the Daleks.

These Dalek models were first seen trundling on, across Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge during filming, but this is the first time we’ve had a proper look at them. The black, slimline design takes its cue from the Reconnaissance Dalek from Resolution, and showrunner, Chris Chibnall hinted that this might be an important plot point for the upcoming story.

He went on to note:

“No question, they’re a part of British culture – they’re like the Mini of Doctor Who. You can keep updating them but the brilliant design endures.”

Jodie Whittaker, aka the Thirteenth Doctor, agrees, adding:

“To be honest, they always seemed like Christmassy imagery to me — appropriate for this time of year!”

Presumably, these Daleks are slimmer and remote-controlled, as the Reconnaissance Dalek was, negating the need for Dalek operators (which is a huge shame; you can’t help but feel sorry for those displaced actors).

We don’t know whether we’ll see the Bronze 2005 Daleks again, or indeed any other designs, but we do know that you can’t keep a good (or bad) Dalek down…

What do you think of the new Daleks, DWC readers?

Featuring exclusive images and interviews with Chibnall, Matt Strevens, Whittaker, Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill, and John Barrowman, the Radio Times is on sale from Saturday 28th November 2020.