‘Bridgerton’ star Nicola Coughlan joins ‘Doctor Who’ Christmas special on Disney+

This year’s Doctor Who Christmas special on Disney+ welcomes Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who plays a character aptly named Joy.

 Premiering on December 25, the episode sees Joy team up with Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor to solve a holiday mystery at the fantastical Time Hotel. The special blends whimsical charm with festive themes, offering an emotional journey that reinforces the meaning of Christmas.

Set in the Time Hotel, a portal to various historical and fictional locales, the episode introduces dinosaurs, ancient Rome, and even a nod to The Shire. Despite the stunning visuals, critics noted the overuse of high-budget CGI, which sometimes overshadowed the storytelling. The episode also features a mysterious glowing briefcase, reminiscent of the Pulp Fiction MacGuffin.

Coughlan’s performance as Joy, paired with Gatwa’s magnetic portrayal of the Doctor, has been praised for its heartfelt and humorous moments. Supporting characters, including hotel staff, also leave a lasting impression, despite their brief screen time.

While the special offers a twee, festive narrative, some fans expressed a longing for more grounded storytelling reminiscent of earlier Doctor Who episodes like “Blink” or “Midnight,” which used minimal effects to maximize suspense and emotional impact. The Disney+ era’s reliance on lavish production, while visually impressive, contrasts with the simpler yet powerful storytelling of the BBC’s earlier seasons.

The special concludes a season marked by guest stars like Jinkx Monsoon and Jonathan Groff, yet fans have called for extended seasons to further develop the Doctor’s relationships and showcase the talents of the cast.