He's not quite Marty McFly: Doctor Who star Matt Smith films Christmas special in his very own Time Machine classic car

By Nadia Mendoza

Last updated at 7:39 AM on 28th September 2011

It's not only The X Factor final that will be on Christmas schedules; the Doctor Who festive special is shaping up to be another sci-fi adventure.

Matt Smith has been busy filming scenes on location in South Wales in an astronaut-inspired costume that will keep fans guessing over the storyline.

British actress Claire Skinner will feature in the episode in which the Doctor finds himself in war-torn England embarking on a magical and mysterious journey with a young widow and her two children.

Time traveller: Matt Smith films the Doctor Who Christmas special on location in South Wales with co-star Claire Skinner

Of course, the trusty Tardis featured on set with Smith in his space suit holding onto Skinner's shoulders.

Skinner, who studied at LAMDA and then later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, was dressed older than her 46 years in a blue pencil skirt, a red blazer and clashing orange V-neck sweater.

The Sleepy Hollow actress is best known for Skinner is best known for her starring role as Clare in the TV comedy Life Begins and more recently as Sue in the BBC's Outnumbered.

Space age: Matt dons an astronaut-inspired costume as he shoots scenes with English actress Claire Skinner

Lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat said: 'The Doctor at Christmas - nothing is more fun to write.
'Maybe because it's so his kind of day - everything's bright and shiny, everybody's having a laugh, and nobody minds if you wear a really stupid hat.
'Of all the Doctors, Matt Smith's is the one that was born for this time of year - so it's the best news possible that he's heading back down the chimney.'

Action girl: Skinner takes instruction from a member of crew as she films scenes in some unflattering attire

Claire added: 'I am thrilled to be in Doctor Who playing Madge who is a bit of super-mum. It's a magical part.'

This marks Smith's second outing as the Doctor at Christmas time and will follow hot on the heels of the successful 2011 series, currently airing on BBC One until October.

The final episode of this season, entitled The Wedding of River Song, airs this Saturday.