Nicola Coughlanis joining theDoctor Whouniverse next year — and the BBC has finally revealed a first look at theBridgertonstar all dressed up as herWhocharacter. ReturningDoctor Whoshowrunner,Russell T. Davies, announced Coughlan’s involvementwhen speaking at a Q&A following a screening ofThe Star Beast. When Davies was pressed to share any tidbit of information about potential guest stars that would join the universe, he announced: “Nicola Coughlan at Christmas." Before clarifying, “Not this Christmas, next Christmas. We’re shooting Christmas 2024 now.” While he remained tight-lipped about her role, this first look shows Coughlan rocking a red leather jacket and matching beret hat with a pensive smile.
This comes at a very exciting time for theWho-niverse as the series prepares a major return for its60th-anniversary special.David Tennantreturns as the Doctor once more, alongside fan-favorite companionCatherine Tateas Donna Noble. Together, they will team up against the Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris), a celestial being out to wreak havoc against the Time Lord. Tennant portrayed the Tenth Doctor for five years, while Tate only played his companion for one season and two specials. However, the two had such amazing chemistry and have often been consideredone of the best duosin recent seasons. So it makes sense that they’re being brought back once more to celebrate this momentous occasion on November 25 beforeNcuti Gatwatakes over the reins as the Fifteenth Doctor.
Who Else Will Join Ncuti Gatwa During His Time as the Fifteenth Doctor?
Gatwa joins theWho-niverse fresh off his hilarious lead role inSex Educationand his take as one of the Ken’s inGreta Gerwig’s record-breaking filmBarbie,grossing over $1 billion worldwideat the box office. Coughlan also started inBarbiealongside Gatwa. PerYahoo News, Coughlan is a big fan of Gerwig and was “quickly heartbroken” when she didn’t think she would be able to join the cast. Luckily, she was given a small amount of wiggle room to make a brief appearance in the film, as she was dealing with scheduling conflicts. “So when I was asked if I wanted to pop into Barbieland even briefly, my answer was an immediate, and very emphatic yes.“Doctor Who’s 2024 Christmas special will give the two actors a chance to reunite once more.
Joining Gatwa’s Time Lord in the TARDIS will be his new companion and partnerRuby Sunday, portrayed byMillie Gibson. Gibson is most recognizable from her roles inCoronation StreetandJamie Johnson. Aside from this central pair,Doctor Whowill have a wide range of guest stars outside just Coughlan, asRu Paul’s Drag RacewinnerJinx MonsoonandJonathan Groff, best known for his roles inGleeandFrozen,are set to appear as well. Season 14 ofDoctor Whomarks an exciting change for the franchise, as Gatawa will not only star as the first Black Doctor but is also the first openly queer actor to play the character.
See the first look at Coughlan’s look in 2024’sDoctor WhoChristmas special below:
Doctor Who
The show follows the adventures of a Time Lord, “The Doctor,” who is able to regenerate, and the Doctor’s human friends. The Doctor and his companions journey through time and space in the TARDIS – a time-traveling ship shaped like a police box – saving the universe with a combination of wit, bravery, and kindness.
