Doctor Who's New Year's Day special 'Resolution' will be its one-and-only outing in 2019, with the BBC sci-fi not returning for a full series until the following year.

But we've got a bit of good news – we can now narrow down the show's return date, just a little bit.

Speaking at a special preview screening of 'Resolution' at the BFI, Tony Hall – the BBC's Director General – revealed that series 12 will begin airing on BBC One "very early in 2020".

BBC / Sophie Mutevelian

Good news, huh? But how early are we talking? There's been no talk so far of a Christmas or New Year's special for next year, but could the next series kick off with a super-sized premiere on January 1, 2020?

Jodie Whittaker will be returning for an encore as the Doctor, having told The Hollywood Reporter that she'll be back for series 12: "I really can't wait to step back in and get to work again."

The BBC later confirmed that she'd be joined by a full team TARDIS, too – with Bradley Walsh (Graham), Tosin Cole (Ryan) and Mandip Gill (Yaz) all back for more adventures.

BBC

But with an episode count yet to be confirmed, we don't even know for certain if we'll be getting another 10 episodes, or if the BBC will expand (or even reduce) the episode count.

One thing we know for certain is that the new series will start shooting in January.

"We’re off again!" showrunner Chris Chibnall said earlier this month. "Well, we never actually stopped – as Jodie Whittaker's Doctor and friends have been winning the hearts of families across the nation this autumn, we've been busy with a whole new set of action-packed adventures for the Thirteenth Doctor."

First though, 'Resolution' will air at 7pm on New Year's Day (Tuesday, January 1) on BBC One.

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