Experts reveal the secrets to meaningful holiday gifts
- Nicola Coughlan stars in the Christmas special of Doctor Who, playing the character Joy.
- She found the complexities of the show overwhelming after researching it online.
- Despite her confusion, Coughlan enjoyed her experience and would consider returning to the series.
In the United Kingdom, actress Nicola Coughlan, known for her roles in Bridgerton and Derry Girls, has shared her experience preparing for the Christmas Day Doctor Who special. Coughlan, who has taken on the role of Joy, the assistant of the 15th Doctor played by Ncuti Gatwa, has admitted that her lack of familiarity with the Doctor Who series made understanding the plot quite challenging. Growing up in Ireland, she did not watch the show as a child and found herself overwhelmed by the extensive lore after reviewing information on Wikipedia. Describing the experience as akin to reading War & Peace, she expressed that the complexity of the show's storyline, which includes elements such as monsters and time travel, left her perplexed. Despite her initial confusion, she expressed excitement about participating in the special titled Joy To The World, where her character engages with the Doctor after checking into a London hotel for a quiet break, subsequently becoming involved in a mission to save Christmas. Coughlan conveyed a desire to return to the show in the future, highlighting the fun she had during her first appearance. The Doctor Who series is set to advance with new storylines, including the transition from the current companion character Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, to a new companion Belinda Chandra, portrayed by Varada Sethu. Showrunner Russell T Davies has hinted at exciting content in the forthcoming series, which will include both thrilling scares and international adventures. However, fans of the series might face a wait for the next series as it relies on negotiations around a co-production deal with Disney.