Part 3/8:
The most glaring evidence of this shift came with the 60th anniversary special, which delivered its worst ratings ever during Tennant's era. The subsequent Christmas special, featuring Shudy Goudwa as the new Doctor, garnered even more criticism. Promoted heavily as the “gayest Doctor Who ever,” the episode was branded around Goudwa's openly gay persona, including a scene set in a gay bar and colorful promos emphasizing his sexual orientation.
This overt focus on sexuality and representation appeared to alienate traditional fans, resulting in the lowest Christmas ratings in the show's history, with viewers expressing widespread disdain. The ratings sat at a dismal 39%, reflecting a sharp decline in audience engagement and enthusiasm.