At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, I was lucky enough to attend the Doctor Who press conference, where we got the first chance to hear from the new 13th Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, and two of her new friends—they’re not called “companions” any more—Tosin Cole (“Ryan”) and Mandip Gill (“Yasmin”). Also on the panel were new showrunner Chris Chibnall and executive producer Matt Strevens. During the conversation, Jodie talks about getting the role, and what it was like playing the first female Doctor. The producers mention that we won’t see any classic/returning villains in the new season, and all but flat-out confirmed that there will be a Christmas special again this year (they said they’ve filmed 11 episodes even though there are only 10 episodes in the season). Also, the season premiere will air simultaneously worldwide, so no need to worry about spoilers.

Check out the full press conference below, as well as the series 11 trailer that was released at Comic-Con: