Filming has finally begun on this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special (the first episode to feature the new companion, played by Jenna-Louise Coleman). Photos snapped from the shoot reveal several characters that are set to return, and hint at the new TARDIS tenant’s origins. This post contains spoilers.

Twitter user @RyanFarr attended the filming, which saw The Doctor joined by Madame Vastra (Neve McIntosh) and Jenny (Catrin Stewart) attending a funeral. The trio (all in Victorian garb) laid flowers at a grave, before The Doctor stormed off – Vastra was close behind. When asked where he was going, Smith’s time traveller shouted “To find her! To find Clara [the new companion]!” First appearing in series 6’s “A Good Man Goes To War,” Vastra and Jenny will also appear in Mark Gatiss’ “The Crimson Horror,” suggesting a bigger role for the fan-favourites in 2013.

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When the aforementioned Clara was finally spotted on set, the episode’s timeline seemed to be firmly back in the present. Nothing of any particular interest really seemed to take place – but it was Jenna-Louise Coleman’s clothes (and accessory) that got our attention. Not only was she seen wearing different costumes (suggesting there are at least two scenes set in the present day), but Jenna was also spotted clutching -brace yourself, Whovians- the now infamous red bag.

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These set photos confirm ANOTHER episode is set specifically in the Victoria era, joining adventures as far apart as #11 (the Christmas special will be the sixth of series 7). In fact, every single episode we’ve seen being filmed involving Jenna-Louise Coleman so far has had scenes set during Queen Victoria’s reign. Could this be the “strange journey” of the new companion that Steven Moffat was referring to? It’s certainly looking more and more like that as time goes on.

Are you excited for a double dose of Vastra and Jenny in series 7? Would you like to see a story arc involving the TARDIS being stuck?