Ncuti Gatwa Gains New Companion in Doctor Who’s 2024 Christmas Special, Not Nicola Coughlan’s Character

Warning: spoilers ahead for Doctor Who‘s “Joy to the World”

In an unexpected twist, the highly anticipated character played by Nicola Coughlan was not the one to fill the companion role in the forthcoming 2024 Christmas special of Doctor Who. Instead, it is revealed that another character, Anita, takes on this vital part. Christmas specials have traditionally showcased a unique temporary companion, notably in episodes such as Catherine Tate’s Donna in “The Runaway Bride”and Kylie Minogue’s Astrid in “Voyage of the Damned.”Following the departure of Ruby Sunday in Season 14, the Doctor once again finds himself reflecting on his solitary journey during the holiday season, this time around a festive table laden with roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

Doctor Who’s Surprising New Companion: Anita

Anita Shines in Doctor Who’s 2024 Christmas Special

Stephanie de Whalley as Anita looking perplexed in Doctor Who.

Remarkably, it is Stephanie de Whalley’s character, Anita, who emerges as the new companion for the Fifteenth Doctor in the 2024 Christmas installment. Throughout their adventures over the course of a year, Anita learns the enigmatic nature of the Doctor and encounters legendary foes, such as the Weeping Angels. This partnership not only enriches their respective lives but embodies the essence of what makes a great Doctor Who companion relationship. While Anita supports the Doctor in seeking a new friend, he offers her the chance to break free from her mundane existence.

Joy: A Memorable Character, But Not a Companion

Joy Delivers but Doesn’t Fill Companion Role

In contrast, Nicola Coughlan’s character Joy does not transition into the Doctor’s companion during this holiday special. Although she receives more screen time than Anita, her time alongside the Doctor amounts to less than an hour in the story’s timeline. Their most profound connection occurs when the Doctor leverages anger to break Joy free from Villengard’s mind control, but this moment lacks the emotional depth needed for a long-term companion relationship. Throughout the special, Anita becomes a confidante, contributing to a moving emotional montage rather than sidelined as Joy eventually is.

Joy serves more as a character in peril rather than a traditional companion. Her focus continually shifts toward her own survival against Villengard’s threats rather than aiding the Doctor directly. Even in the climactic moments, the Doctor is seen acting independently, losing the collaborative essence typically evident in the companion dynamic — leaving Joy alone in a crypt while he manages a world-saving endeavor.

Past Modern Companions	Doctor
Rose (Billie Piper)	Nine/Ten
Martha (Freema Agyeman)	Ten
Donna (Catherine Tate)	Ten
Amy Pond (Karen Gillan)	Eleven
Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman)	Eleven/Twelve
Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie)	Twelve
Nardole (Matt Lucas)	Twelve
Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill)	Thirteen
Ryan Sinclair (Tosin Cole)	Thirteen
Graham O’Brien (Bradley Walsh)	Thirteen
Dan Lewis (John Bishop)	Thirteen

While Anita does not directly help save the world, her vibrant dialogue and ability to inspire creativity in the Doctor reflect the true dynamic of a companion. This ideal is highlighted as they team up to investigate a couple’s honeymoon suite for otherworldly anomalies, showcasing their strong partnership. Although Joy is a valuable addition to the Doctor Who roster of singular guest characters, the real connection feels anchored firmly in the interactions between the Doctor and Anita.

A Future Reunion: Doctor Who Needs Anita Back

The Appeal of Bringing Back Anita

The enchanting chemistry between the Fifteenth Doctor and Anita is compelling enough to warrant her return in future episodes. With Anita’s new role at the Time Hotel, reintroducing her should prove seamless, and her dynamic with Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor could lead to adventures filled with excitement and humor.

Anita could follow a similar trajectory as Catherine Tate’s Donna, who transitioned from a one-off Christmas companion to a beloved full-time character due to overwhelming fan support. Given the warm reception of Anita’s character, it would not be surprising to find the Fifteenth Doctor embarking on a new journey in Season 16, visiting the Time Hotel to reconnect with his former companion for a nostalgic reunion.

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