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Despite Nicola Coughlan playing the companion in Doctor Who's 2024 Christmas special, the actor admits that she had no experience whatsoever prior to being cast in the role. Coughlan's breakout role was in the Channel 4 historical sitcom Derry Girls as anxious teen Claire, before joining Netflix's period drama Bridgerton as the third season's romantic lead, Penelope Featherington. Set following the events of Doctor Who season 14, the Christmas special "Joy to the World" sees Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor travel across human history in a hotel offering rooms from throughout time and space.
Though Christmas will see Doctor Who air its 18th seasonal special, Coughlan admitted during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show (via PA Media) that she had no prior connection to the long-running sci-fi series. Coughlan explained that she did not watch growing up in Ireland, leading to her needing to do research upon being cast. Even as Coughlan joined the production, she had little understanding of the minutia of what was going on:
I can’t tell you anything, not because of secrecy but because I had no idea what was going on. I was brought up in Ireland so didn’t see it as a child so when I got the part, I looked it up on Wikipedia – it was like reading War And Peace and it was so confusing with monsters and time travel.
Nevertheless, Coughlan stated that she enjoyed her experience working on the show, and would be open to returning. Check out Coughlan's comment below:
It was a fun experience, and I had a lovely time. If they want me back, I would do it again.
Many Beloved Doctor Who Stars Entered The Series With Little Experience
While Doctor Who is a pillar of the sci-fi genre with a rich 60-plus year history, Coughlan is hardly the only actor in a key role to enter the series with no awareness of the wider show. Despite portraying the lead Time Lord themselves, Christopher Eccleston and Matt Smith have stated that they had little to no interest in the series prior to being cast. Nevertheless, both actors took the role for their own reasons and committed to giving their best to two of the series' most celebrated runs.
As such, Coughlan's inexperience with Doctor Who should not cause any alarm. Joining the series shortly after leading her own Bridgerton season, the star's presence can not only bring new attention to the series, but will see a talented actor have the opportunity to play a key role and create a captivating character of her own.
Our Thoughts On Coughlan's Doctor Who Experience
Coughlan May Have An Opportunity To Return
While Coughlan may not have been able to understand every detail of Doctor Who's seasonal special, it is clear she is nevertheless proud of her work. As such, many may wonder if there is an opportunity for the star to return to the sci-fi series in the future. Catherine Tate's Donna Noble became a main series companion following her guest experience in "The Runaway Bride", meaning it is not an unprecedented move.
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However, Doctor Who's future is currently in a state of flux, as any future series beyond season 15 and spin-off The War Between The Land And Sea will not be decided until after the airing of the 2025 season. As such, Coughlan's Doctor Who future may not be decided on for some time.
Source: PA Media
The latest season of Doctor Who introduces the Fifteenth Doctor, joined by new companion Ruby Sunday. Their first adventure begins with "The Church on Ruby Road," where they face powerful new foes and unravel the mystery surrounding Ruby's origins. The Doctor grapples with the aftermath of a unique regeneration event and battles enemies more formidable than ever before.
Release Date December 25, 2023
Main Genre Sci-Fi
Franchise(s) Doctor Who
Character(s) Commander Millington , Polly , Gordon Lowery , Dervish , Wheeler , Radar Technician , Uncredited , Dr. Grace Holloway , K9 (voice) , Lieutenant Carstairs , Peladon , Chancellor Flavia , Curtis , Mike , Self , Ted Moss , Sarah Jane Smith , Miranda , Mykros , The Master , Arek , Megara Voice , Dodo Chaplet , Peter Warmsly , Jackson
Creator(s) Donald Wilson , Sydney Newman
Producers John Nathan-Turner , Innes Lloyd , Peter Bryant , Philip Hinchcliffe , Verity Lambert , John Wiles
Seasons 2
Writers Russell T. Davies , Dave Gibbons , Kate Herron , Steven Moffat
Streaming Service(s) Apple , Britbox , M , Dis
Directors Douglas Camfield , David Maloney , Christopher Barry , Michael E. Briant , Barry Letts , Michael Ferguson , Richard Martin , Peter Moffatt , Pennant Roberts , Lennie Mayne , Chris Clough , Ron Jones , Paddy Russell , Paul Bernard , Michael Hayes , Timothy Combe , Morris Barry , Gerald Blake , Graeme Harper , Waris Hussein , Rodney Bennett , Mervyn Pinfield , Hugh David , John Gorrie
English (US) ·