The Christmas hit special for Dr Who will welcome a new face to the cast, as Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan is to join Ncuti Gatwa for the festive episode later this year.
Both Millie Gibson and Varada Seethu will be absent from the festive special aired on the BBC, which was filmed last year. Instead Nicola, who is known for her beloved character on Channel 4’s smash-hit comedy Derry Girls, will be his loyal companion.
The Galway-born actress, 37, is best known for her role as Clare Devlin in Derry Girls. She has also went on to star as lovelorn Penelope ‘Lady Whistledown’ Featherington in Bridgerton.
Nicola and Scottish star Ncuti have worked together previously. They both landed roles in Greta Gerwig's Hollywood blockbuster Barbie.
It's not the first time we have seen a surprise guest star at Christmas, with showrunner Russell T Davies previously casting Catherine Tate in 2006 as Donna Noble who became a regular.
Kylie Minogue also made an appearance as Astrid Peth in 2007 and David Morrissey as Jackson Lake in 2008. It was first reported according to the Mirror that Nicola would have a role during the upcoming BBC1 series earlier this year.
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Discussing having Nicola on set, Russell said: “This has been the most brilliant shoot, with Nicola lighting up the set and bringing joy. From Derry, via Bridgerton, to the TARDIS, it’s the trip of a lifetime.”
Nicola declared she was thrilled to be joining the show, adding: “I’ve been a fan of Ncuti Gatwa for some time and getting to share the screen with him as the Doctor has been an absolute joy”.
Top TV news
The new series of the sci-fi show launches this weekend with Millie playing orphan Ruby Sunday in all eight episodes. However come Christmas she will be absent as it marks her gradual departure from the hit show.
The Doctor will be joined by Varada Seethu, who arrives as a brand new companion in 2025. It was revealed last week that former Corrie star Millie, 19, has signed up to star in the new adaptation of The Forsyte Saga, from the makers of Poldark.
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