The following contains MINOR spoilers for the second season of "Doctor Who."

Just one month after the breath-taking events of the season finale of the new "Doctor Who" series, production has already commenced for the first of the second season, namely the 60-minute Christmas special episode.

The episode, entitled "The Christmas Invasion," will see the first adventure of the tenth Doctor played by "Casanova" star David Tennant with his go-getting traveling companion Rose Tyler played by former pop sensation Billie Piper.

Tennant, who was introduced in the finale of the first season after the "death" of the ninth Doctor (played by Christopher Eccleson), has been very enthusiastic about stepping into the shoes of the time lord who reportedly saved the BBC's Saturday night line-up.

"I think we've come up with something distinctive that's both timeless and modern, with a bit of geek chic and of course, a dash of Time Lord!" said Tennant of the new look. "Most importantly Billie tells me she likes it -- after all she's the one who has to see me in it for the next nine months!"

Piper, who according to rumors attempted to leave the series at the conclusion of the first season, has also been very vocal regarding her excitement over her return to work on the show.

"I'm thrilled to be stepping back into the role of Rose," she said. "We plan to make series two even bigger and better and challenge the viewers' imaginations like never before. Wait until you get a load of the new doctor!"

Writer and Executive Producer Russell T. Davies has also professed his excitement over the success of the series and has also dropped a few hints as to what to expect in the future.

"The Doctor and Rose are destined to meet Queen Victoria, an evil race of Cat Women, and the dreaded Cybermen," he said. "2006 is going to be scarier than ever!"

Filming of the 60-minute Christmas episode kicks off in London and continues in various locations across Wales, predominantly in Cardiff. Christmas becomes a time of terror for Planet Earth, as the whole of mankind falls under the shadow of the alien Sycorax. Rose needs the Doctor's help, but can she trust a man with a new face?

The Christmas Invasion" is expected to air on Christmas Day on BBC 1.