Doctor Who fans are in for a treat this Christmas, as the beloved series returns ahead of its 15th season next year. But who will be accompanying the Time Lord in this festive special?
The Doctor Who Christmas episode, titled Joy To The World, is set to air on One at 5.10pm, following the Christmas special.
The episode promises a thrilling adventure as the Doctor visits a time-travelling hotel.
As anticipation builds, fans are keen to know who will feature in the cast of this eagerly awaited Christmas special.
Doctor Who Christmas special cast
The Doctor – Ncuti Gatwa
No Doctor Who story would be complete without the Time Lord, and while the face may have changed over the years, the playful spirit remains constant.
This Christmas, actor Ncuti Gatwa takes on the role of the fifteenth Doctor, after making his debut as the Time Lord last Christmas.
Gatwa is renowned for his role as Eric in ‘s popular comedy-drama Sex Education, and has also appeared in the Barbie movie and Apple TV+’s Masters Of The Air.
Doctor Who Christmas Special cast in full as Bridgerton star takes cameo role (Image: BBC)
Doctor Who Christmas special: Joy Almondo is played by actress Nicola Coughlan. (Image: BBC)
Doctor Who Christmas special: Trev Simpkins is played by actor Joel Fry. (Image: BBC)
Joy Almondo – Nicola Coughlan
Joining the Doctor as a temporary sidekick is actress Nicola Coughlan, who rose to prominence as Clare Devlin in Channel 4’s Derry Girls.
Since 2020, she has achieved international fame for her portrayal of Penelope Featherington in ‘s romantic drama Bridgerton.
Nicola Coughlan is set to dazzle as Jo Almondo in Doctor Who, a guest who checks into a London hotel only to discover a clandestine portal to the Time Hotel. There, she encounters “dinosaurs, danger and the Doctor”.
Trev Simpkins – Joel Fry
Joel Fry steps into the shoes of Trev Simpkins, an employee at the Time Hotel.
Fry’s impressive resume includes appearances in Trollied, Plebs, Ordinary Lies, Game Of Thrones, and roles in films such as Yesterday, Cruella, Love Wedding Repeat, and the beloved Paddington series.
Hotel manager – Jonathan Aris
The enigmatic hotel manager is brought to life by Jonathan Aris, a seasoned actor with a rich history on television.
His standout performances span across His Dark Materials, Avenue 5, Red Eye, The Sixth Commandment, and The End Of The F*****g World.
Doctor Who Christmas special: The hotel manager is played by actor Jonathan Aris. (Image: BBC)
Doctor Who Christmas special: The trailer has teased the return of actress Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday. (Image: BBC)
Hilda Flockhart – Julia Watson
Actress Julia Watson takes on the role of Hilda Flockhart, presumed to be one of the hotel’s guests.
Watson is best known for her portrayal of Barbara Hayes in ‘s Casualty, but her career also includes Welcome To Orty-Fou, A Touch Of Frost, Midsomer Murders, and Doctors among others.
Ruby Sunday – Millie Gibson
Millie Gibson plays Ruby Sunday, the Doctor’s latest companion who recently departed after reuniting with her birth mother.
Yet, the Christmas special trailer teases fans with a glimpse of Ruby’s return, setting the stage for her comeback in season 15.
Millie Gibson, who portrayed the troubled character Kelly Neelan on ITV’s for three years, gained significant recognition before her departure in 2022.
The cast also features:
Anita Benn – Steph de Whalley
Basil Flockhart – Peter Benedict
Sylvia Trench – Niamh Marie Smith
Doctor Who’s Christmas special airs on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, at 5.10pm on One and iPlayer.