Nicola Coughlan explains how the dynamic between her companion Joy and Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor leads to challenges in Doctor Who‘s 2024 Christmas special “Joy to the World.” The upcoming seasonal adventure sees the Bridgerton and Derry Girls star’s new companion unknowingly step into a time travel hotel, bringing her into contact with the Time Lord. “Joy to the World” continues the story where Doctor Who season 14 left things for The Doctor, as Gatwa’s Time Lord has parted ways with his debut season companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson)
While speaking with the Irish Post, Coughlan opened up about how Joy compares herself to the Time Lord in her first entanglement with monsters and time travel. She stated that Joy is stalwart in the face of the unexpected and fantastical surrounding her despite her typically polite nature. This includes her relationship with the Doctor himself, despite him needing her to come out of her shelf to survive:
I think the dynamic between them is very, sort of, he pushes her and she tries to remain a brick wall. A very polite and sweet brick wall, but he knows that in order to get to where needs to be with Joy, he needs to push her to uncomfortable places.
With Coughlan emphasizing how Joy wishes to keep things low-key and within her comfort zone, the star hinted that the Time Lord will be a major catalyst in pushing her to change. Check out Coughlan’s response below:
It’s a very interesting dynamic because she wants to remain polite and unaffected but the Doctor is not going to let her do that.
What Joy & The Doctor’s Dynamic Means For Doctor Who’s Ongoing Arc
Joy & The Doctor Share A Common Struggle
Though Coughlan’s response teases some tension in Doctor Who‘s 2024 Christmas special, this could likely be beneficial for both the Time Lord and his companion. Clips for “Joy to the World” have teased that Joy is lonely before the episode’s events, leading to a particularly downbeat holiday season despite her best efforts to put on a brave face. This parallels with the Doctor’s own state of mind following season 14, as he grapples with guilt in the absence of Ruby.
Related
All 17 Doctor Who Christmas & New Year Specials Ranked (Including 2023)
Ncuti Gatwa resurrects the tradition of the Doctor Who Christmas special, but where does Ruby Road sit in the 2005-2023 canon of holiday specials?
As seen through his potential angst towards a future revealed in the episode’s trailer, the Time Lord is annoyed at his habit of distancing himself from others, leading to him yelling at his future self. As such, the Doctor may see some of himself in Joy’s own resistance to opening up. Through this, the pair may be able to help one another through their worst habits.
Our Thoughts On Coughlan’s Doctor Who Companion Tease
It Is Unknown If Joy Will Return
While Coughlan is open to returning beyond “Joy to the World,” it is currently unknown what the companion’s future will be. Currently, Doctor Who‘s current agreement between Disney and the BBC covers the productions of seasons 14, 15, and the spin-off The War Between The Land and Sea. As such, until its future is decided beyond season 15, it is unknown whether Coughlan will return.
Nevertheless, there is clearly a fulfilling dynamic between the two characters. As such, many viewers may wonder if Doctor Who‘s 2024 Christmas special can provide the Time Lord with a companion who can bring out his best in his darker moments.
Source: Irish Post
5/10
Doctor Who
The latest season of Doctor Who introduces the Fifteenth Doctor, joined by new companion Ruby Sunday. Their first adventure begins with “The Church on Ruby Road,” where they face powerful new foes and unravel the mystery surrounding Ruby’s origins. The Doctor grapples with the aftermath of a unique regeneration event and battles enemies more formidable than ever before.
- Release Date
- December 25, 2023
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
- Franchise(s)
- Doctor Who
- Cast
- Ncuti Gatwa , Millie Gibson , Susan Twist , Michelle Greenidge , Angela Wynter , Jemma Redgrave , Yasmin Finney , Anita Dobson
- Character(s)
- Commander Millington , Polly , Gordon Lowery , Dervish , Wheeler , Radar Technician , Uncredited , Dr. Grace Holloway , K9 (voice) , Lieutenant Carstairs , Peladon , Chancellor Flavia , Curtis , Mike , Self , Ted Moss , Sarah Jane Smith , Miranda , Mykros , The Master , Arek , Megara Voice , Dodo Chaplet , Peter Warmsly , Jackson
- Creator(s)
- Donald Wilson , Sydney Newman
- Producers
- John Nathan-Turner , Innes Lloyd , Peter Bryant , Philip Hinchcliffe , Verity Lambert , John Wiles
- Seasons
- 2
- Writers
- Russell T. Davies , Dave Gibbons , Kate Herron , Steven Moffat
- Streaming Service(s)
- Apple , Britbox , M , Dis
- Directors
- Douglas Camfield , David Maloney , Christopher Barry , Michael E. Briant , Barry Letts , Michael Ferguson , Richard Martin , Peter Moffatt , Pennant Roberts , Lennie Mayne , Chris Clough , Ron Jones , Paddy Russell , Paul Bernard , Michael Hayes , Timothy Combe , Morris Barry , Gerald Blake , Graeme Harper , Waris Hussein , Rodney Bennett , Mervyn Pinfield , Hugh David , John Gorrie