Nicola Coughlan will be appearing in a Doctor Who Christmas special. Just not this year.
Showrunner Russell T Davies confirmed at a press conference that Bridgerton and Derry Girls star Coughlan will appear in a future Christmas special. He revealed that’s the reason for the recent photos of Coughlan filming around South Wales that were circulating.
“[We’ve got] Nicola Coughlan at Christmas. Not this Christmas, next Christmas. We’re shooting Christmas 2024 now,” he explained.
David Tennant and Catherine Tate return in a few weeks for a trio of 60th anniversary specials. After that, Ncuti Gatwa and Coronation Street’s Millie Gibson make their debut as the 15th Doctor and new companion Ruby Sunday.
Gatwa’s first full series was filmed this summer and will air next year.
Doctor Who airs on BBC One in the UK and Disney+ elsewhere.