2024 Christmas Special Teased: Nicola Coughlan Discusses the 15th Doctor and New Companion’s Dynamic in Doctor Who

In the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special titled “Joy to the World,”starring Nicola Coughlan as Joy alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor, viewers can expect a refreshing yet challenging dynamic. This festive episode throws Joy into an unexpected adventure when she unwittingly checks into a time travel hotel, marking her first encounter with the iconic Time Lord. The narrative picks up from the conclusion of Doctor Who’s season 14, where the Doctor has recently parted ways with his debut companion, Ruby Sunday, portrayed by Millie Gibson.

During an interview with the Irish Post, Coughlan shared insights about Joy’s character. She emphasized that despite her polite disposition, Joy exhibits remarkable fortitude when faced with the Doctor’s peculiar world and the adversities that come with it. This relationship evolves as the Doctor encourages her to engage more fully with her surroundings, challenging her to step out of her comfort zone:

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 he needs to be with Joy, he needs to push her to uncomfortable places.

Coughlan noted that Joy’s desire for stability contrasts with the Doctor’s insistence on transformation, suggesting that the Time Lord may serve as a crucial impetus for Joy’s personal growth in the episode:

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.

Understanding the Relationship Between Joy and The Doctor

The Shared Struggles of Joy and The Doctor

The Doctor speaking to someone with Joy behind him

The relationship tension hinted at by Coughlan promises to be mutually beneficial for both Joy and the Doctor. Recent previews for “Joy to the World”reveal that Joy grapples with feelings of loneliness prior to the narrative’s kickoff, creating a poignant backdrop for a less-than-cheerful holiday season despite her efforts to appear upbeat. This feeling of isolation parallels the Doctor’s own emotional struggles as he continues to deal with guilt over Ruby’s departure.

According to the eponymous character’s potential emotional turmoil depicted in the episode’s trailer, the Doctor struggles with his inclination to isolate himself from others, highlighted by moments of confrontation with his future self. This pattern suggests that the Doctor might identify with Joy’s own reluctance to open up, creating an opportunity for reciprocal healing and growth between them.

Speculations on Joy’s Future in Doctor Who

The Uncertainty of Joy’s Return

While Nicola Coughlan is receptive to reprising her role beyond the Christmas special, the specifics of Joy’s future in the series remain uncertain. The current collaboration between Disney and the BBC encompasses productions for seasons 14 and 15, as well as the upcoming spin-off titled The War Between The Land and Sea. Without clarity about future developments, Joy’s potential return is still a mystery.

Nonetheless, the chemistry and dynamic established between Joy and the Doctor provide a rich narrative vein, prompting fans to consider whether the 2024 Christmas special could unveil a companion capable of rekindling the Doctor’s intrinsic hopefulness during his darker days.

Source: Irish Post

Source & Images