Key Points
- The Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special, Joy to the World, features Nicola Coughlan as Joy, a temporary companion to the Fifteenth Doctor.
- Steven Moffat returns to write the festive episode, marking his 50th Doctor Who script.
- The episode explores a time-traveling hotel concept, with emotional moments and a memorable performance by Coughlan.
- Joy to the World is expected to air on Christmas Day 2024 on BBC One and Disney+.
The Doctor Who Christmas special, Joy to the World, is set to bring festive excitement to fans this December. Starring Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor and Nicola Coughlan as Joy, the one-off companion, this special promises a heartwarming and thrilling holiday adventure.
Nicola Coughlan Joins the Doctor Who: Joy to the World
The Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special introduces Nicola Coughlan as Joy, a one-off companion who meets the Doctor during a solo journey. Known for her roles in Derry Girls and Bridgerton, Coughlan described her character as “a determined woman whose life is changed forever when she meets the Doctor.”
In Joy to the World, the Doctor crosses paths with Joy at a futuristic hotel that holds the key to the episode’s story. According to Steven Moffat, the premise imagines a hotel chain in the far future utilizing time travel to sell unsold nights from their past locations. Moffat’s use of “timey wimey” storytelling ensures fans are in for a mind-bending treat.
Joy’s cheerful and optimistic personality makes her an intriguing addition to the Doctor’s adventures. While Joy is expected to be a one-off character, Doctor Who has a history of bringing back special companions. Characters like Donna Noble, initially introduced in the 2006 Christmas special The Runaway Bride, later became recurring characters.
READ MORE: The Deep Connection Between Jericho and Nevermore Academy in Wednesday
Joining Coughlan and Ncuti Gatwa in the cast are Jonathan Aris as Melnak, a Silurian, and Peter Benedict as Basil. The special also features historical figures, including Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, played by Phil Baxter and Samuel Sherpa-Moore, respectively.
Steven Moffat Returns to Write the Christmas Special
For the first time since 2017, Doctor Who veteran Steven Moffat is writing a Christmas special. Moffat previously served as showrunner from 2010 to 2017, penning iconic episodes like Blink and The Day of the Doctor.
Joy to the World will be Moffat’s 50th Doctor Who script and potentially his last contribution to the series. This milestone follows his recent work on Season 1 (Series 14), including the standout episode Boom, which featured Gatwa’s Doctor navigating a tense landmine standoff.
Moffat has hinted at emotional and intense moments in the special. In the commentary for Boom, he teased a “moment of rage” from Gatwa’s Doctor that evokes Peter Capaldi’s, Twelfth Doctor. He also described Coughlan’s performance as “heartbreaking,” setting the stage for a story full of emotional highs and lows.
READ MORE: Flight Risk Writer Adapting ‘Six Minutes to Freedom’ for Netflix
While an official synopsis has not been released, the Christmas special’s plot will center around a time-traveling hotel chain and Joy’s unexpected encounter with the Doctor. Fans can expect a mix of humor, intrigue, and festive spirit, hallmarks of Moffat’s writing.
Doctor Who’s Christmas Day Tradition
Although an official air date has yet to be announced, Joy to the World is expected to premiere on Christmas Day 2024 on BBC One and Disney+. This continues Doctor Who’s long-standing tradition of Christmas Day specials, revived with Russell T. Davies’ return as showrunner.
Under Davies’ previous tenure, the series secured a prime Christmas Day slot with episodes like The Christmas Invasion. This trend temporarily shifted during Chris Chibnall’s era, which favored New Year’s Day specials but has now been reinstated.
READ MORE: Harry Potter: Why Dumbledore Trusted Snape Despite His Dark Past
The festive episode will bridge the gap between Season 1 and Season 2 of the Ncuti Gatwa era, with Ruby Sunday returning in Season 2 and Varada Sethu joining the cast as new companion Belinda Chandra, Doctor Who is poised for an exciting future in 2025.
Source: Radio Times
Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.
You can follow us on:
Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel
