Fifteenth Doctor actor, Ncuti Gatwa, has teased that his character goes on a journey to find himself in this year’s upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special, Joy to the World.

In the festive episode, the Doctor meets Joy, played by Nicola Coughlan (Derry Girls). And while we don’t know too much about the story, Gatwa was asked about the Doctor’s relationship with Joy. He explained:

“She teaches him a lot. [Laughs] What can I say?! They go on a beautiful journey together where they learn about themselves, and they find themselves. Exactly what the Doctor needs.”

Clearly, he isn’t sure what he’s allowed to say for fear of spoilers — plus showrunner Russell T Davies was looming over his shoulder. Nonetheless, it’s good to hear him expanding on what happens to the Doctor now that his companion, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), has temporarily left the TARDIS.

Joy to the World is largely shrouded in secrecy, but we do know that it’s scripted by Steven Moffat, his 50th for the show, and features a Silurian, as seen in the brief clip released to promote the franchise at th San Diego Comic Con late last month.

The clip saw the Doctor going from Manchester in 1940 to Italy in 1962, from Mount Everest in 1953 and to a hotel in London in 2024 — the latter is where he meets Joy.

Joy to the World is expected to air on BBC1 and stream on Disney+ on Christmas Day 2024.