fans lamented Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan’s turn in the TARDIS instead demanding that a different character be made the new companion for the Time Lord int he long running sci-fi drama.
Nicola played Joy in the special entitled Joy To The World and her appearance as the festive “companion” had been hugely hyped. However it was another character, a hotel receptionist named Anita (played by Steph De Whalley), that struck a chord with viewers.
“Anita’s turned out to be a far more interesting character than Joy … #DrWho #DoctorWho,” one wrote on X. “I’m starting an official petition, to make ‘Anita at the Sandringham’ the next companion!!!!!! #DoctorWho,” another exclaimed.
“Not feeling Joy sorry prefer Anita #DoctorWho,” a third opined. A fourth wrote: “I take it back Joy is kinda annoying give me a season of Anita immediately #doctorwho”
“Can we have Anita as a full time companion please @bbcdoctorwho #DoctorWho,” a fifth pleaded. “The Doctor and Anita are a duo I’m really going to need more of. Nothing better happen to her. #DoctorWho,” a sixth said.
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Ncuti Gatwa was back as Doctor Who for a Christmas special of the show (Image: BBC)
The Doctor met Anita when he was forced to stay on earth for a year. They struck up a friendship and a montage of moments showed them enjoying regular get togethers.
They celebrated all the major holidays before The Doctor was forced to tell her he wouldn’t be around for Christmas.
However, although he left her behind, she survived the episode and at the end viewers saw her being offered a new job on his recommendation.
Viewers also caught a glimpse of his regular companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) in a brief scene where she looked longingy at the stars before taking a call from her mother.
Anita made quite an impression on viewers after striking up a friendship with The Doctor (Image: BBC)
While The Doctor is indeed welcoming a new companion next season it won’t be Anita – despite viewers pleas.
Millie will be returning to her role as Ruby and will be .
The released official photos from a script table read to introduce the latest addition to the team alongside a statement.
“Like many Doctors who have come before him, one is not enough for the Fifteenth Doctor and in season two, he will have two companions by his side as Varada Sethu steps aboard the TARDIS. Varada joins the Whoniverse from a galaxy far, far away after starring in the Disney+ Star Wars series ‘Andor’,” the statement read.
“Now she straps in for another journey through time and space alongside Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday.”