Doctor Who: What Will Happen to Anita After the 2024 Christmas Episode?

Warning: This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Doctor Who’s 2024 Christmas special!

The 2024 Doctor Who Christmas special introduces an intriguing twist as it temporarily parts ways with the Doctor’s new companion, Anita. As the series continues its tradition of memorable holiday episodes, this installment proves to be a delightful addition. Following Ncuti Gatwa’s engaging debut season as the Fifteenth Doctor, audiences are introduced to a new dynamic after Ruby Sunday takes a short leave from the TARDIS.

Although Nicola Coughlan’s character, Joy, was initially expected to accompany the Doctor, it is actually Anita—the manager of the Sandringham Hotel—who plays a critical role in this holiday tale. Set in the Time Hotel, where the Doctor finds themselves trapped for a year, Anita and the Doctor forge a meaningful bond. Their days spent in shared leisure activities culminate in a beautiful montage that captures the essence of their friendship. This emotional sequence stands out as the highlight of the entire Christmas special. The Doctor’s sorrow at their impending separation resonates deeply with viewers, but there is hope in the aftermath of “Joy to the World.”

Clues Within Doctor Who’s Time Hotel Indicate Anita’s Positive Outcome After “Joy to the World”

Anita’s Last Name Holds Significance for Her Future

The Mr Benn shopfront featuring a red suit of armor from Doctor Who's Time Hotel.

The Time Hotel features a range of fascinating shops, with Mr. Benn’s Any Era Clothes being particularly notable. This clever reference evokes memories of the beloved children’s series Mr. Benn, which aired between 1971 and 2005. The show’s premise revolves around its protagonist, who visits a costume shop that transports him to different historical eras depending on the outfit he chooses. However, the name of the shop might also foreshadow a promising outcome for Anita, as her character is credited as Anita Benn.

By the end of the episode, when the Time Hotel manager invites her to join the staff, it suggests a potential family connection to the Mr. Benn from the shop. This implies that Anita may have secured a joyful life following “Joy to the World,”possibly even marrying Mr. Benn himself. Such a conclusion complements her role in helping the Doctor rediscover trust and vulnerability.

A Call for Doctor Who to Reunite the Doctor and Anita in Future Episodes

The Case for Reintroducing Steph De Whalley as Anita

While Ruby Sunday brings her own charm to the series, the connection between Anita and the Fifteenth Doctor is uniquely profound. Their rapport feels refreshingly sincere, marking them as each other’s entrustees. It seems a missed opportunity to restrict their on-screen time to a mere handful of minutes. Writer Russell T. Davies should consider reuniting the Doctor with Anita during a future season. Given her new role at the Time Hotel, there is ample potential for character development. Whether through a brief two-episode arc or a longer-term partnership reminiscent of the beloved Donna Noble, Anita’s character deserves further exploration.

The return of Donna, initially a one-off character in the 2006 Christmas special, echoes the deep appreciation fans had for her—an experience that could easily apply to Anita as well.

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