Ncuti Gatwa and Nicola Coughlan are confirmed to battle a dinosaur in the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special, as unveiled in the latest trailer for the show. Entitled ‘Joy To The World’, the episode features Gatwa as the Doctor, taking viewers on a time-travelling adventure through Earth’s history where he encounters a character named Joy, played by Bridgerton’s Coughlan. According to the BBC, Joy stumbles upon a hidden entrance to the Time Hotel, setting the stage for encounters with danger, dinosaurs, and the Doctor.
The trailer starts with Gatwa’s Doctor stepping out of the Tardis, questioning the festive timing before being informed of the unique Christmas plans spanning multiple locations. Coughlan’s character, Joy, is introduced alongside the Doctor while facing off against a Silurian with a hairdryer in a hotel setting. The trailer showcases various scenes such as the Doctor using a lasso on a train and encountering a dinosaur in a sunny locale. There is also a glimpse of the Doctor confronting a mirrored version of himself, reflecting on the challenges of loneliness and mystery throughout his adventures.
Guest appearances in the episode include Joel Fry as Trev and Jonathan Aris as Melnak. Gatwa and Coughlan, who previously worked together in the film Barbie, will bring their on-screen chemistry to this festive Doctor Who special. Gatwa, known for his role in Sex Education, made his debut as the 15th Doctor during BBC One’s 60th anniversary celebrations, introducing new companions and intriguing storylines. The festive special is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer during the holiday season, promising an exciting and adventurous Christmas experience for fans of the long-running sci-fi series.
In summary, the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special promises a thrilling and festive adventure featuring Ncuti Gatwa and Nicola Coughlan facing off against dinosaurs and mysteries. The star-studded episode is sure to delight fans with its time-travelling escapades and guest appearances, making it a must-watch during the holiday season.