• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Ncuti Gatwa, Nicola Coughlan star in 'Doctor Who' Christmas special trailer: Watch here

3:46
Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson talk new season of 'Doctor Who'
James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios/Disney
ByMason Leib
December 05, 2024, 5:42 PM

A trailer for the "Doctor Who" Christmas special "Joy to the World" is out with a supernatural flare.

Ncuti Gatwa and Nicola Coughlan star in the brand-new trailer, released by Disney+ on Thursday. Gatwa plays the Doctor, his role in the long-running BBC series, adventuring through various worlds and time periods with Coughlan, who plays Joy.

Along with Gatwa and Coughlan, the special will star Steph de Whalley as Anita, Jonathan Aris playing Melnak, Joel Fry in the role of Trev, Peter Benedict playing Basil, Julia Watson playing Hilda and Niamh Marie Smith playing Sylvia.

Related Articles

'Bridgerton' star Nicola Coughlan dishes on season 4 and its 'different types of love stories'

"When Joy checks into a London hotel in 2024, she opens a secret doorway to the Time Hotel -- discovering danger, dinosaurs and the Doctor. But a deadly plan is unfolding across the Earth, just in time for Christmas," a synopsis for the special reads.

The special will premiere on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, at 12:10 p.m. ET.

In the action-packed trailer, the Doctor is seen greeting Joy by barging into her hotel room.

Editor’s Picks

Nicola Coughlan reacts to upcoming queer storyline in 'Bridgerton'

  • Oct 10, 2024

Ncuti Gatwa talks putting his own twist on 'Doctor Who,' honoring show's legacy

  • Dec 22, 2023

See Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson's adventures in new 'Doctor Who' trailer: Watch

  • Mar 22, 2024

Throughout the trailer, various characters ask the Doctor an array of questions about his intentions and his identity, to which he responds each time, "You'll find out."

"You have to be mysterious all the time," a lookalike of the Doctor says to him at one point. "That's why everyone leaves you, that is why you're always alone."

The phrase "Who brings Joy to the worlds" then flashes across the screen, an apparent play Coughlan's character's name as she enters a strange new world.

Nicola Coughlan Stars Alongside Ncuti Gatwa in the Special, Streaming Dec. 25
James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios/Disney

The trailer concludes with shots of the Doctor and Joy adventuring together through yet another new world. "I'm on the case," the Doctor is heard saying.

Related Articles

Ncuti Gatwa talks putting his own twist on 'Doctor Who,' honoring show's legacy

Alex Sanjiv Pillai directed the project and former "Doctor Who" showrunner Steven Moffat wrote and executive produced the special. Russell T Davies is showrunner and executive producer.

Gatwa's second season as the Doctor will premiere in 2025 on Disney+, where available, and on BBC iPlayer in the U.K.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News and "Good Morning America."

Editor’s Picks

Nicola Coughlan reacts to upcoming queer storyline in 'Bridgerton'

  • Oct 10, 2024

Ncuti Gatwa talks putting his own twist on 'Doctor Who,' honoring show's legacy

  • Dec 22, 2023

See Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson's adventures in new 'Doctor Who' trailer: Watch

  • Mar 22, 2024

Up Next in Culture—

Madonna announces 'Confessions II' release date: Details

April 15, 2026

'Dawson's Creek' stars Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes reunite

April 15, 2026

Anne Hathaway's Andy meets new assistant in new 'Devil Wears Prada 2' clip

April 15, 2026

King Charles, Queen Camilla head to America: What to expect on their state visit

April 14, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News