DOCTOR: Ho ho ho. Good tidings to you both. Merry Christmas.

CORDELIA: Why ‘tis good sir Claus, at last. Welcome to Naxios. I am Cordelia. And this is Iago.

IAGO: You are late.

DOCTOR: Am I? Apologies. My sleigh got delayed. My reindeer’s nose

developed a fault and we drifted off course.

CORDELIA: We are much relieved that you are safe, good Christmas.

DOCTOR: Thank you. Why wouldn’t I be safe?

CORDELIA: Why... The murders of the other Santas of course.

DOCTOR: Murders?

IAGO: Three have been summoned to this planet. You are the third.

The other two were set upon shortly after their arrival by a mysterious villain. Struck upon the head.

DOCTOR: Really? How terrible.

IAGO But you must know this. We despatched a—

CORDELIA: We should leave with haste, Iago.

IAGO: (alarmed) Wait! Who is behind that rock?

DOCTOR: It’s er... No one... No one at all.

(Peri springs from behind the rock. There is a slight tinkling of bells attached to her costume)

PERI: No one but me. Just Santa’s faithful Elf Periwig, bringing the luggage.

DOCTOR: Thank you...Periwig, what would I do without you?

PERI: Heaven knows.