Doctor Who Christmas special 2024: Everything we know about Joy to the World

Doctor Who Christmas special 2024: Everything we know about Joy to the World

As a lifelong Doctor Who enthusiast who’s been following this enchanting series since its revival in 2005, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming Christmas special! The return of our beloved Time Lord and his companions is always a delight, but the prospect of witnessing the brilliant minds of Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat collaborating on a festive adventure is simply mind-boggling.


Although we’ve barely reached the midpoint of the year, enthusiasts of Doctor Who are already anticipating the holiday season, as that’s when the next episode of the series is scheduled to air.

After the conclusion of season 14, the upcoming Christmas special “Joy to the World” brings fans back together with Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor, and introduces them to Nicola Coughlan from Derry Girls, who will be appearing as a guest star.

At San Diego Comic Con, fans were given an initial sneak peek into a new special, penned by ex-showrunner Steven Moffat. A preview clip was subsequently released, showcasing the return of a familiar alien race.

Here’s everything we know so far about the Doctor Who Christmas special 2024, Joy to the World.

Doctor Who Christmas special 2024 release date speculation

Without an official confirmation, it seems quite likely that the Doctor Who Christmas special will take place on December 25th, 2024. The exact timings are yet to be finalized and will be announced at a later date.

Indeed, it’s not a constant tradition; rather, under Chris Chibnall’s leadership as showrunner, the festive special was moved to New Year’s Day.

Doctor Who Christmas special 2024: Everything we know about Joy to the World

Indeed, Russell T Davies, upon his return as the showrunner, mentioned that airing the series on Christmas Day was one of the prerequisites for his comeback.

He said on Doctor Who: Unleashed: “This was kind of like number one on my shopping list – Christmas Day. I literally went to the BBC saying, ‘Back on Christmas Day, thank you very much. Let’s have this.’

As a self-proclaimed movie enthusiast, let me express my perspective: There’s something about Doctor Who that simply resonates with me. The tales it spins are downright delightful. In fact, any yarn woven around tinsel is infinitely more appealing than those devoid of this festive element.

Doctor Who Christmas special 2024 cast: Who will star in Joy to the World?

Although details regarding the entire cast for Joy to the World are still uncertain, we’ve managed to secure a few notable actors so far.

Here’s who we’re expecting to star in Joy to the World:

  • Nicola Coughlan as Joy
  • Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor

Actress Nicola Coughlan, known for her role in Derry Girls, has officially been cast in Joy to the World. In an interview with Ireland AM, show creator Stephen Moffat said, “Nicola gives a stunning performance; she’ll undoubtedly touch your emotions deeply.”

Joy, the character portrayed by Coughlan, can be described as a resolute woman whose life undergoes a dramatic transformation following her encounter with the Doctor.

Doctor Who Christmas special 2024: Everything we know about Joy to the World

It’s not yet verified, but it might not come as a shock if some of these actors reappear in future performances.

  • Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday
  • Michelle Greenidge as Carla Sunday
  • Angela Wynter as Cherry Sunday
  • Anita Dobson as Mrs Flood
  • Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart
  • Ruth Madeley as Shirley Anne Bingham
  • Lenny Rush as Morris Gibbons
  • Yasmin Finney as Rose Noble

In the season 14 finale, titled “Empire of Death,” we bid an emotional farewell to character Ruby, portrayed by Gibson, as she left the TARDIS. However, it’s been confirmed that she will make a return, albeit in a reduced capacity, for season 15, which is scheduled for next year.

It’s possible that the Doctor might make a visit to check on the Sundays, given that it’s Ruby’s birthday coming up!

Additionally, we’re keeping the door open for unexpected guest appearances. Last year, we had Davina McCall appearing as herself and a horde of goblins who ate babies, so who knows what might transpire this time around?

Doctor Who Christmas special 2024 plot: What could happen in Joy to the World?

Regarding the future events in “Joy to the World”, it’s all speculation. Typically, Doctor Who’s Christmas specials are self-contained stories that make for enjoyable viewing for the whole family.

Indeed, since Moffat, the previous showrunner, is renowned for creating memorable Doctor Who creatures like the Weeping Angels and the Silence, might this holiday season bring an unexpectedly ominous twist?

Doctor Who Christmas special 2024: Everything we know about Joy to the World

I’ve been reading about his work, and let me tell you, people are raving about Coughlan’s performance. They’re calling it “heartbreaking.” So, it might be a good idea for us to prepare ourselves!

In a YouTube behind-the-scenes video for “Empire of Death,” Showrunner Davies hinted: “The Doctor continues on his journey, and as is customary with him at times – it’s approaching holiday season! Here we are at Christmas.”

Based on an early sneak peek, it’s clear that the character, the Doctor, will be traveling through time and space, popping up from portals with a ham & cheese toasted sandwich and a pumpkin-flavored latte. Later in London, 2024, he encounters Joy.

In addition to the unique events unfolding, you’ll notice the reappearance of the Silurians in this special. A fresh Silurian figure is hinted at in the preview, but it’s yet to be determined how significant their part in the narrative will be.

We’ll share any new information on this page as and when it comes.

Is there a trailer for the 2024 Doctor Who Christmas special?

At present, there’s no trailer available, but we’ve managed to get a sneak peek of the upcoming episode, showcased during the Doctor Who event at San Diego Comic Con 2024 and introduced by actress Nicola Coughlan.

In this video, the character known as the Doctor transports us to various locations spanning the world and different time periods. He frequently emerges from doorways, offering a ham and cheese sandwich and a pumpkin-flavored coffee beverage.

Eventually, we choose London as our destination in 2024. In this city, Coughlan’s character Joy is depicted entering a hotel. Alone in her room, she encounters a Silurian dressed like a hotel manager, but before anything happens, the Doctor intervenes.

You can watch the full clip right here now.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be rejoining BBC One and BBC iPlayer this festive season! If you haven’t caught up with the past adventures, they’re all ready for streaming on BBC iPlayer.

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2024-08-12 14:06