Their relationship has been a bit more contentious than past Doctor/companion combinations ( Though Donna and Ten gave them a run for their money!), but they love each other at least as much as any pairing the show has ever had.
It was heart wrenching to see the Doctor admit he lied about finding Gallifrey so Clara would stay with Danny, while at the same time Clara lied to the Doctor about Danny’s death so he’d stop worrying about her and go home to Gallifrey. When you look at him without his potato head, about the only recognizable feature left is his gap-toothed smile, but he’s just as entertaining as the wise-cracking elf, Ian. Dan Starkey is a man better known to fans as our favorite lactating Sontaran, Strax. Patrick Troughton is the man I credit with cementing the sometimes whimsical, sometimes gruff and alien, but always quirky personality that’s been a hallmark of the Doctor ever since. Michael Troughton is the son of Patrick Troughton, the man who played the 2nd incarnation of the Doctor.
Some less recognizable faces, but ones that have significant ties to the Whoniverse are Michael Troughton (Professor Bellows) and Dan Starkey (Ian the elf). With the beard, he was almost unrecognizable, but the voice and mannerisms shone through and he made a fine and feisty “Sweet Papa Crimbo.” Knowing what the future would bring for their son, they chose to give him a most appropriate name for the part. First, and most obvious, was Nick Frost as Santa Claus – a man whose parents are obviously Time Lords. There were a few interesting/fun faces gracing the screen for this year’s yuletide outing. Thankfully, we learn that every Christmas is “last Christmas” in a way, though had Jenna Coleman departed the show it would’ve taken that title in a darker direction. A name like Last Christmas conjures up images of ultimate finality, which usually means something very sad. What a relief it is to find out that there was nothing foreboding about the title of this year’s Doctor Who Christmas Special.