Bridgerton Star Nicola Coughlan Joins Doctor Who's Christmas Special: Watch the First Trailer

The popular series Doctor Who has released the trailer for its upcoming Christmas special, "Joy to the World," during San Diego Comic-Con. This special episode will feature Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan as a guest star. Coughlan is well-known for her role as Penelope Bridgerton in the hit Netflix series.

New Christmas Special for Doctor Who

At San Diego Comic-Con, BBC and Disney held a joint Doctor Who event where they premiered the first look at the special episode set to air this coming Christmas. In this new adventure, Nicola Coughlan will bring her beloved presence from "Bridgerton" to the world of Doctor Who as the character Joy.

Written by Steven Moffat, a former head writer for the series, "Joy to the World" is described by Moffat as "a wonderful story about who the Doctor is when alone." Nicola Coughlan will play Joy, the new companion to Ncuti Gatwa's portrayal of the 15th Doctor.

Joy: The Doctor's New Companion

Ncuti Gatwa expressed that Joy is exactly what the Doctor needs. The trailer shown at Comic-Con provides fans with exciting glimpses of the episode. In the teaser, Joy checks into a hotel during Christmas time and is soon surprised by a Silurian in a suit entering her room. Shortly after, the Doctor appears, offering Joy a cheese toastie and a pumpkin spice latte.

These scenes mark "the start of a beautiful journey where they discover themselves together," according to Gatwa.

The Return of Christmas Specials

During Chris Chibnall’s tenure as showrunner, Doctor Who did not produce Christmas specials. However, with the return of Russell T Davies, this tradition is making a comeback.

Steven Moffat, who wrote the episode, describes "Joy to the World" as "one of the wackiest Christmas specials you'll ever see." The new Christmas special will air on December 25, 2024, on BBC and Disney Plus.

Additionally, fans will soon have the chance to watch a five-episode spin-off series titled "The War Between the Land and the Sea.