Christmas Stuntman Matt Smith
Matt Smith has revealed he got to film all of his own stunts for the 'Doctor Who' Christmas special and for one sequence he had to escape a huge fireball.
Matt Smith had to escape a fireball for the Christmas special of 'Doctor Who'.
The actor - who portrays the titular time-travelling character - performed all of his own stunts for the festive episode of the BBC sci-fi series and is hoping he is allowed to continue shooting his own action sequences for the 2012 series.
He told Radio Times magazine: "I've been doing all my own stunts. One involves a huge explosion: I had just three seconds to jump back from this giant fireball.
"Believe me, the fireball does so much of the acting for you. It was only afterwards that I realised I could have been seriously charred!
"I've been really enjoying it. Hopefully we'll see a more action and adventure Doctor next season."
Matt also confirmed the forthcoming Christmas episode is set in World War II and sees The Doctor try and host a festive celebration for a family he meets but it takes on a "dangerous" twist.
The 29-year-old star - who is joined in the adventure by guest stars Bill Bailey, Claire Skinner and Arabella Weir - said: "The Doctor meets this plucky, feisty lady called Madge and finds out something very tragic about her life. So he invites her and her children back to his house to give them the best Christmas ever, which turns out to be the best Christmas ever in an extremely dangerous forest!"
Meanwhile, 'Doctor Who' fans who can't wait for the Yule Tide special can re-live the Time Lord's Christmas past.
The 'Doctor Who Experience' at London's Olympia will be hosting an alternative Christmas grotto which will take visitors on a time-travelling journey through the series' spectacular seasonal specials.
The grotto includes some of the show's most memorable festive props, including Kylie Minogue's maid costume from 'Voyage of the Damned' - which aired on Christmas Day 2007 - and the eerie Santa Robots from 'The Runaway Bride' which was broadcast at Christmas in 2006.
Other festive monsters on display include the Sycorax and the deadly Cybershades, while Abigail's Chamber and Kazran's Armchair, props from last year's 'A Christmas Carol' story - which starred Katherine Jenkins and Sir Michael Gambon - will also feature.
A traditional Santa Claus will also be on hand to meet and greet visitors as they explore the yuletide treasure trove and all children will receive a 'Doctor Who' gift worth over £5.
Tickets to the alternative grotto at the attraction are a £5 supplementary fee alongside regular tickets, but adults accompanying children can access the grotto with just their regular ticket.
Tickets for the attraction - which features a unique 3-D walk-through adventure - and the grotto are available at www.doctorwhoexperience.com
The grotto will be open on December 2nd - 4th, 9th - 11th, 16th - 21st.
