Joy to the World (TV story): Difference between revisions
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|story number = 312 | |story number = 312 | ||
|doctor = Fifteenth Doctor | |doctor = Fifteenth Doctor | ||
|companions = | |companions = [[Joy Almondo|Joy]]<ref name="BBClist" /><ref name="Cast" /> | ||
|featuring = | |featuring = | ||
|enemy = | |enemy = <!--unreleased story--> | ||
|setting = <!-- | |setting = <!-- | ||
|writer = Steven Moffat--> | |writer = Steven Moffat--> | ||
|writer spoil = [[Steven Moffat]] | |writer spoil = [[Steven Moffat]]<ref name="JTTW" /><ref name="BBClist" /> | ||
|director = [[Alex Pillai]]<ref name="Pillai">{{cite web|url=https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/ncuti-gatwa-films-doctor-who-in-cardiff|title=Ncuti Gatwa films Doctor Who in Cardiff|author=Andrea Laford|date of source=2023-10-31|website name=CultBox|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312181050/https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/ncuti-gatwa-films-doctor-who-in-cardiff|archivedate=2024-03-12}}</ref> | |director = [[Alex Sanjiv Pillai]]<ref name="Pillai">{{cite web|url=https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/ncuti-gatwa-films-doctor-who-in-cardiff|title=Ncuti Gatwa films Doctor Who in Cardiff|author=Andrea Laford|date of source=2023-10-31|website name=CultBox|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312181050/https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/ncuti-gatwa-films-doctor-who-in-cardiff|archivedate=2024-03-12}}</ref><ref name="BBClist" /> | ||
|producer = | |producer = [[Alison Sterling]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | ||
|genre = Science fiction | |genre = Science fiction | ||
|broadcast date = 25 December 2024 | |broadcast date = 25 December 2024 | ||
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|bts = | |bts = | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Joy to the World''''' is the upcoming [[2024 (releases)|2024]] [[Christmas Special]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. Written by [[Steven Moffat]], it will be the first [[Festive Special|holiday special]] not penned by the current showrunner.<ref name="JTTW">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/tv/doctor-who/the-big-interview-doctor-whos-steven-moffat/|title=The BIG Interview: Doctor Who's Steven Moffat|author=Tom Spilsbury|date of source=2024-05-14|website name=TV Choice Magazine|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514075256/https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/tv/doctor-who/the-big-interview-doctor-whos-steven-moffat/|archivedate=2024-05-14}}</ref> | '''''Joy to the World''''' — released internationally, [[disputed story titles|it would seem]], as '''''Joy to the Worlds'''''<ref name="Worlds" /> — is the upcoming [[2024 (releases)|2024]] [[Christmas Special]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. Written by [[Steven Moffat]], it will be the first [[Festive Special|holiday special]] not penned by the current showrunner.<ref name="JTTW">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/tv/doctor-who/the-big-interview-doctor-whos-steven-moffat/|title=The BIG Interview: Doctor Who's Steven Moffat|author=Tom Spilsbury|date of source=2024-05-14|website name=TV Choice Magazine|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514075256/https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/tv/doctor-who/the-big-interview-doctor-whos-steven-moffat/|archivedate=2024-05-14}}</ref> | ||
== Synopsis == | == Synopsis == | ||
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== Cast == | == Cast == | ||
* [[Fifteenth Doctor|The Doctor]] - [[Ncuti Gatwa]]<ref name="DWCoughlan">{{cite web|url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/get-a-first-look-at-nicola-coughlan-as-she-joins-doctor-who|title=Get a first look at Nicola Coughlan as she joins Doctor Who|date of source=2023-11-13|website name=Doctor Who|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407155731/https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/get-a-first-look-at-nicola-coughlan-as-she-joins-doctor-who|archivedate=2024-04-07}}</ref> | * [[Fifteenth Doctor|The Doctor]] - [[Ncuti Gatwa]]<ref name="DWCoughlan">{{cite web|url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/get-a-first-look-at-nicola-coughlan-as-she-joins-doctor-who|title=Get a first look at Nicola Coughlan as she joins Doctor Who|date of source=2023-11-13|website name=Doctor Who|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407155731/https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/get-a-first-look-at-nicola-coughlan-as-she-joins-doctor-who|archivedate=2024-04-07}}</ref><ref name="Cast" /><ref name="BBClist">{{Cite_web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026d24|title=Doctor Who, Joy to the World|website name=BBC One|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204165800/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0026d24|archivedate=2024-12-04}}</ref> | ||
* Joy Almondo<ref name="BBClist" /> - [[Nicola Coughlan]]<ref name="DWCoughlan" /><ref name="SDCC" /><ref name="Cast" /> | |||
*[[ | * Trev Simpkins - [[Joel Fry]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | ||
* | * Anita Benn - [[Steph de Whalley]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | ||
*[[ | * Hotel Manager<!--[[Melnak|Hotel Manager]]--> - [[Jonathan Aris]]<ref name="BBClist" /><ref name="Cast">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-cast-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who casts Sherlock and Casualty stars in Christmas special|author=Louise Griffin|date of source=2024-08-15|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815195610/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-cast-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-08-15}}</ref> | ||
*[[Edmund Hillary]] - [[Phil Baxter]]<ref name=" | * Hilda Flockhart - [[Julia Watson]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | ||
*[[Tenzing Norgay]] - [[Samuel Sherpa-Moore]]<ref name=" | * Basil Flockhart - [[Peter Benedict]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | ||
*[[ | * Sylvia Trench - [[Niamh Marie Smith]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | ||
*[[ | * [[Edmund Hillary]] - [[Phil Baxter]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | ||
* [[Tenzing Norgay]] - [[Samuel Sherpa-Moore]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | |||
* Receptionist<!--[[Receptionist (Joy to the World)|Receptionist]]--> - [[Ruchi Rai]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | |||
* Mr Single<!--[[Single (Joy to the World)|Mr Single]]--> - [[Joshua Leese]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | |||
* Server<!--[[Server (Joy to the World)|Server]]--> - [[Ell Potter]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | |||
* Barman<!--[[Barman (Joy to the World)|Barman]]--> - [[Liam Prince-Donnelly]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | |||
* Angela Grace - [[Fiona Marr]]<ref name="BBClist" /> | |||
== Crew == | == Crew == | ||
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* The special was first mentioned in ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' [[DWM 585|issue 585]], published [[8 December (releases)|8 December]] [[2022 (releases)|2022]], in which showrunner [[Russell T Davies]] stated in his ''[[Letter from the Showrunner]]'' column that he was (himself) currently writing the special.<ref name="DWM585">{{cite web|url=https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/russell-t-davies-reveals-series-plans-to-doctor-who-magazine|title=Russell T Davies reveals series plans to Doctor Who Magazine|author=Andrea Laford|date of source=2022-12-07|website name=CultBox|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417233841/https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/russell-t-davies-reveals-series-plans-to-doctor-who-magazine|archivedate=2024-04-17}}</ref> | * The special was first mentioned in ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' [[DWM 585|issue 585]], published [[8 December (releases)|8 December]] [[2022 (releases)|2022]], in which showrunner [[Russell T Davies]] stated in his ''[[Letter from the Showrunner]]'' column that he was (himself) currently writing the special.<ref name="DWM585">{{cite web|url=https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/russell-t-davies-reveals-series-plans-to-doctor-who-magazine|title=Russell T Davies reveals series plans to Doctor Who Magazine|author=Andrea Laford|date of source=2022-12-07|website name=CultBox|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417233841/https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/russell-t-davies-reveals-series-plans-to-doctor-who-magazine|archivedate=2024-04-17}}</ref> | ||
** However, on [[14 May (production)|14 May]] [[2024 (production)|2024]], writer and former showrunner [[Steven Moffat]] revealed the special's title and that he had written it – making it his 50th overall script – in an interview with ''TV Choice Magazine''.<ref name="JTTW" /> This followed on from rumours of Moffat's involvement after producer [[Alison Sterling]]'s online CV briefly listed him as the writer.<ref name="Moffat">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-2024-christmas-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who's Steven Moffat 'returns to write 2024 Christmas special'|author=James Hibbs|date of source=2024-03-12|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428032152/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-2024-christmas-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-04-28}}</ref> | ** However, on [[14 May (production)|14 May]] [[2024 (production)|2024]], writer and former showrunner [[Steven Moffat]] revealed the special's title and that he had written it – making it his 50th overall script – in an interview with ''TV Choice Magazine''.<ref name="JTTW" /> This followed on from rumours of Moffat's involvement after producer [[Alison Sterling]]'s online CV briefly listed him as the writer.<ref name="Moffat">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-2024-christmas-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who's Steven Moffat 'returns to write 2024 Christmas special'|author=James Hibbs|date of source=2024-03-12|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428032152/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-2024-christmas-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-04-28}}</ref> | ||
* Earlier in the year, Moffat snuck the special's title into an interview with ''[[Radio Times]]'' in which he denied he had returned to ''Doctor Who'' at all: "It doesn't exactly bring joy to the world that I just say something negative about ''Doctor Who''."<ref name="MoffatTheSneak">{{ | ** On [[12 November (production)|12 November]], Moffat explained in an interview with BBC South East news that Davies had approached him about writing the special as he felt he was not going to finish his original script as he needed to start writing [[Season 2 (Doctor Who 2023)|season 2]].<ref name="Time-Travelling Hotel">{{cite_web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-christmas-special-time-travel-hotel-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who's Steven Moffat confirms Christmas special plot details – including 'time-travelling hotel'|author=Morgan Cormack|date of source=2024-11-12|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112170923/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-christmas-special-time-travel-hotel-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-11-12}}</ref> | ||
* On [[22 June (releases)|22 June]], Davies described it as the "maddest" Christmas special ever, with a "great story of who the Doctor is when he's alone".<ref name="Maddest">{{ | * This episode is the first [[Christmas Special]] to not be written by the current showrunner; however, it is written by a former showrunner, [[Steven Moffat]]. | ||
* On [[4 July (releases)|4 July]], Moffat told ''Ireland AM'' that Coughlan was "wonderful" in the special and that she would break [[heart]]s.<ref name="Break Your Heart">{{ | * This episode marks Moffat's first [[Christmas Special]] since {{cs|Twice Upon a Time (TV story)}} in [[2017 (releases)|2017]]. | ||
* On [[26 July (releases)|26 July]], a preview was released at the ''[[Doctor Who]]'' panel at [[San Diego Comic Con]], showing a few minutes of the episode. Coughlan's character was announced to be named [[Joy | * Earlier in the year, Moffat snuck the special's title into an interview with ''[[Radio Times]]'' in which he denied he had returned to ''Doctor Who'' at all: "It doesn't exactly bring joy to the world that I just say something negative about ''Doctor Who''."<ref name="MoffatTheSneak">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-2024-special-confirmed-newsupdate/|title=Steven Moffat confirms he wrote Doctor Who Christmas 2024 special: 'Is that my final moment?'|author=Morgan Cormack|date of source=2024-05-14|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514171402/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-2024-special-confirmed-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-05-14}}</ref> | ||
*[[DWM 607|''Doctor Who Magazine'' | * On [[22 June (releases)|22 June]], Davies described it as the "maddest" Christmas special ever, with a "great story of who the Doctor is when he's alone".<ref name="Maddest">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-maddest-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who boss says Christmas special is 'maddest ever'|author=James Hibbs|date of source=2024-06-23|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623152612/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-maddest-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-06-23}}</ref> | ||
* On [[4 July (releases)|4 July]], Moffat told ''Ireland AM'' that Coughlan was "wonderful" in the special and that she would break [[heart]]s.<ref name="Break Your Heart">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-special-nicola-coughlan-newsupdate/|title=Steven Moffat talks Doctor Who Christmas special: 'Nicola Coughlan will break your heart'|author=Lidia Molina-Whyte|date of source=2024-07-04|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704192739/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-special-nicola-coughlan-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-07-04}}</ref> | |||
* On [[26 July (releases)|26 July]], a preview was released at the ''[[Doctor Who]]'' panel at [[San Diego Comic Con]], showing a few minutes of the episode. Coughlan's character was announced to be named [[Joy Almondo|Joy]].<ref name="SDCC">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-christmas-special-first-look-joy-to-the-world-new-companion-name-belinda-chandra/|title=Doctor Who unveils first look at Christmas special and confirms Varada Sethu's companion name – and her potential link to an existing character|author=Molly Edwards|coauthors=Amy West|date of source=2024-07-26|website name=GamesRadar+|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726213214/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who-christmas-special-first-look-joy-to-the-world-new-companion-name-belinda-chandra/|archivedate=2024-07-26}}</ref> | |||
* On [[15 August (releases)|15 August]] the [[DWM 607|607th issue]] of ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' identified the other cast members and characters seen in the preview.<ref name="Cast">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-cast-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who casts Sherlock and Casualty stars in Christmas special|author=Louise Griffin|date of source=2024-08-15|website name=RadioTimes.com|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815195610/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-cast-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-08-15}}</ref> | |||
* The story is set to [[Joy to the World cinema premiere|premiere in one or more cinemas]]{{note|It is currently unclear whether this involves multiple winners getting exclusive screenings, or only a single group.}} across the UK and US, with a competition being held to win tickets to access these premieres.<ref name="Festive Special Competition">{{cite web|title=Friendship Is Universal - a Festive Special Competition!|website name=[[doctorwho.tv]]|date of source=8 October 2024|accessdate=8 October 2024|url=https://www.doctorwho.tv/play/friendship-is-universal-festive-special-competition|publisher=[[BBC Studios]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008155255/https://www.doctorwho.tv/play/friendship-is-universal-festive-special-competition|archivedate=8 October 2024}}</ref> | |||
* On 12 November, Moffat teased in an interview that the episode's plot involved a [[hotel]] chain using [[time travel]] to sell unused nights in hotel rooms throughout history.<ref name="Time-Travelling Hotel" /> | |||
* On [[15 November (production)|15 November]], another preview of the special was released for [[Children in Need]].<ref name="CINS">{{cite_web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-teaser-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who unveils new Christmas special teaser for Children in Need|author=Louise Griffin|website name=RadioTimes.com|date of source=2024-11-15|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116001443/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-special-teaser-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-11-16}}</ref> | |||
* On [[20 November (production)|20 November]], the BBC announced that ''Joy to the World'' would be premiering simultaneously on [[BBC One]] and [[BBC iPlayer|iPlayer]] in the UK and [[Disney+]] elsewhere.<ref name="Simultaneous">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bbcdoctorwho/status/1859341092539486631|title=34 days to prep the ham and cheese toasties and a pumpkin latte! 🎄<br />Watch JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available #DoctorWho|author=[[Official Doctor Who Twitter|@bbcdoctorwho]]|date of source=2024-11-20|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/wTCO2|archivedate=2024-11-21}}</ref> | |||
* On [[23 November (production)|23 November]], the BBC and Disney+ released promotional posters for the episode on social media.<ref name="JTTW Twit">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bbcdoctorwho/status/1860413206000501009|title=Check in to Christmas, everywhere, all at once! ✨🎄<br/>Watch #DoctorWho: JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available|author=[[Official Doctor Who Twitter|@bbcdoctorwho]]|date of source=2024-11-23|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/umI1Q|archivedate=2024-11-24}}</ref><ref name="JTTW Insta">{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DCucZ-DBabT/|title=Check in to Christmas, everywhere, all at once! ✨🎄<br />Watch #DoctorWho: JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available|author=@bbcdoctorwho|date of source=2024-11-23|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/pI6DZ#selection-689.0-709.16|archivedate=2024-11-24}}</ref> The Disney+ poster notably rendered the episode's title as "Joy to the Worlds", with several official replies on [[Doctor Who social media|social media]] indicating that this was not in error, and [[disputed story titles|will be the title used in the international market]].<ref name="Worlds">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-title-joy-worlds-newsupdate/|title=Doctor Who hints at plot twist with Christmas special title confusion|author=Christian Tobin|website name=RadioTimes.com|date of source=2024-11-24|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124143100/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-title-joy-worlds-newsupdate/|archivedate=2024-11-24}}</ref> | |||
* In an interview with the ''[[Radio Times]]'', Moffat stated the special would answer a longstanding mystery that people had likely been wondering about since they were young children.<ref name="Longest Mystery">{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-2024-moffat-davies-interview/|title=Doctor Who Christmas special will solve "longest-standing mystery"|author=Huw Fullerton|website name=RadioTimes.com|date of source=2024-11-26|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127181539/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-christmas-2024-moffat-davies-interview/|archivedate=2024-11-17}}</ref> | |||
*Moffat told the December 2024 issue of ''[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]]'' magazine that the episode's tone leaned more humourous,<ref name="SFX">{{cite_web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who/steven-moffat-christmas-special-lighter-blink/|title=Writer Steven Moffat promises that his Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special is lighter and more fun than his previous episodes: "It's not Blink"|author=Emily Murray|coauthors=Nick Setchfield|website name=GamesRadar+|date of source=2024-11-30|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130192514/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/doctor-who/steven-moffat-christmas-special-lighter-blink/|archivedate=2024-11-30}}</ref> and that the episode explored what went on in the Doctor's head "when he's got no one to be the Doctor for".<ref name="SFX 2">{{cite_web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/the-doctor-who-christmas-special-will-explore-what-its-like-to-be-in-the-time-lords-head-when-hes-got-no-one-to-be-the-doctor-for/|title=The Doctor Who Christmas special will explore what it's like to be in the Time Lord's head when he's "got no one to be the Doctor for"|author=Bradley Russell|coauthors=Nick Setchfield|website name=GamesRadar+|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201185229/https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/sci-fi-shows/the-doctor-who-christmas-special-will-explore-what-its-like-to-be-in-the-time-lords-head-when-hes-got-no-one-to-be-the-doctor-for/|archivedate=2024-12-01}}</ref> | |||
=== Myths === | === Myths === | ||
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== Continuity == | == Continuity == | ||
* [[WC]]: {{cs|The TARDIS is landing just in time for Christmas! (webcast)}} served as a promotional video for this story, and featured an image of the [[Fifteenth Doctor]] with [[Joy Almondo]] as part of an in-universe [[advertisement]] for [[Joy to the World (in-universe)|the episode]]. | |||
== Home media releases == | == Home media releases == | ||
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== Footnotes == | == Footnotes == | ||
{{ | === Notes === | ||
{{notelist}} | |||
=== References === | |||
{{reflist|3}} | |||
{{DWTV}} | {{DWTV}} | ||
Latest revision as of 18:32, 4 December 2024
Careful . . . spoilers!
This page absolutely does contain spoilers either about the behind-the-scenes or narrative elements of stories which have not yet been published or broadcast. Please see our spoiler policy for our rules governing articles about such subjects.
Joy to the World — released internationally, it would seem, as Joy to the Worlds[5] — is the upcoming 2024 Christmas Special of Doctor Who. Written by Steven Moffat, it will be the first holiday special not penned by the current showrunner.[3]
Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]
to be added
Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]
to be added
Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]
- The Doctor - Ncuti Gatwa[6][2][1]
- Joy Almondo[1] - Nicola Coughlan[6][7][2]
- Trev Simpkins - Joel Fry[1]
- Anita Benn - Steph de Whalley[1]
- Hotel Manager - Jonathan Aris[1][2]
- Hilda Flockhart - Julia Watson[1]
- Basil Flockhart - Peter Benedict[1]
- Sylvia Trench - Niamh Marie Smith[1]
- Edmund Hillary - Phil Baxter[1]
- Tenzing Norgay - Samuel Sherpa-Moore[1]
- Receptionist - Ruchi Rai[1]
- Mr Single - Joshua Leese[1]
- Server - Ell Potter[1]
- Barman - Liam Prince-Donnelly[1]
- Angela Grace - Fiona Marr[1]
Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]
to be added
Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]
to be added
Notes[[edit] | [edit source]]
- The special was first mentioned in Doctor Who Magazine issue 585, published 8 December 2022, in which showrunner Russell T Davies stated in his Letter from the Showrunner column that he was (himself) currently writing the special.[8]
- However, on 14 May 2024, writer and former showrunner Steven Moffat revealed the special's title and that he had written it – making it his 50th overall script – in an interview with TV Choice Magazine.[3] This followed on from rumours of Moffat's involvement after producer Alison Sterling's online CV briefly listed him as the writer.[9]
- On 12 November, Moffat explained in an interview with BBC South East news that Davies had approached him about writing the special as he felt he was not going to finish his original script as he needed to start writing season 2.[10]
- This episode is the first Christmas Special to not be written by the current showrunner; however, it is written by a former showrunner, Steven Moffat.
- This episode marks Moffat's first Christmas Special since Twice Upon a Time [+]Loading...["Twice Upon a Time (TV story)"] in 2017.
- Earlier in the year, Moffat snuck the special's title into an interview with Radio Times in which he denied he had returned to Doctor Who at all: "It doesn't exactly bring joy to the world that I just say something negative about Doctor Who."[11]
- On 22 June, Davies described it as the "maddest" Christmas special ever, with a "great story of who the Doctor is when he's alone".[12]
- On 4 July, Moffat told Ireland AM that Coughlan was "wonderful" in the special and that she would break hearts.[13]
- On 26 July, a preview was released at the Doctor Who panel at San Diego Comic Con, showing a few minutes of the episode. Coughlan's character was announced to be named Joy.[7]
- On 15 August the 607th issue of Doctor Who Magazine identified the other cast members and characters seen in the preview.[2]
- The story is set to premiere in one or more cinemas[nb 1] across the UK and US, with a competition being held to win tickets to access these premieres.[14]
- On 12 November, Moffat teased in an interview that the episode's plot involved a hotel chain using time travel to sell unused nights in hotel rooms throughout history.[10]
- On 15 November, another preview of the special was released for Children in Need.[15]
- On 20 November, the BBC announced that Joy to the World would be premiering simultaneously on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ elsewhere.[16]
- On 23 November, the BBC and Disney+ released promotional posters for the episode on social media.[17][18] The Disney+ poster notably rendered the episode's title as "Joy to the Worlds", with several official replies on social media indicating that this was not in error, and will be the title used in the international market.[5]
- In an interview with the Radio Times, Moffat stated the special would answer a longstanding mystery that people had likely been wondering about since they were young children.[19]
- Moffat told the December 2024 issue of SFX magazine that the episode's tone leaned more humourous,[20] and that the episode explored what went on in the Doctor's head "when he's got no one to be the Doctor for".[21]
Myths[[edit] | [edit source]]
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Filming locations[[edit] | [edit source]]
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Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]
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Production errors[[edit] | [edit source]]
If you'd like to talk about narrative problems with this story — like plot holes and things that seem to contradict other stories — please go to this episode's discontinuity discussion.
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Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]
- WC: The TARDIS is landing just in time for Christmas! [+]Loading...["The TARDIS is landing just in time for Christmas! (webcast)"] served as a promotional video for this story, and featured an image of the Fifteenth Doctor with Joy Almondo as part of an in-universe advertisement for the episode.
Home media releases[[edit] | [edit source]]
to be added
Gallery[[edit] | [edit source]]
- Main article: Joy to the World (TV story)/Gallery
Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]
Notes[[edit] | [edit source]]
- ↑ It is currently unclear whether this involves multiple winners getting exclusive screenings, or only a single group.
References[[edit] | [edit source]]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 Doctor Who, Joy to the World. BBC One. Archived from the original on 2024-12-04.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Louise Griffin (2024-08-15). Doctor Who casts Sherlock and Casualty stars in Christmas special. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-08-15.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Tom Spilsbury (2024-05-14). The BIG Interview: Doctor Who's Steven Moffat. TV Choice Magazine. Archived from the original on 2024-05-14.
- ↑ Andrea Laford (2023-10-31). Ncuti Gatwa films Doctor Who in Cardiff. CultBox. Archived from the original on 2024-03-12.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Christian Tobin (2024-11-24). Doctor Who hints at plot twist with Christmas special title confusion. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-11-24.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Get a first look at Nicola Coughlan as she joins Doctor Who. Doctor Who (2023-11-13). Archived from the original on 2024-04-07.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Molly Edwards; Amy West (2024-07-26). Doctor Who unveils first look at Christmas special and confirms Varada Sethu's companion name – and her potential link to an existing character. GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 2024-07-26.
- ↑ Andrea Laford (2022-12-07). Russell T Davies reveals series plans to Doctor Who Magazine. CultBox. Archived from the original on 2024-04-17.
- ↑ James Hibbs (2024-03-12). Doctor Who's Steven Moffat 'returns to write 2024 Christmas special'. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-04-28.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Morgan Cormack (2024-11-12). Doctor Who's Steven Moffat confirms Christmas special plot details – including 'time-travelling hotel'. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-11-12.
- ↑ Morgan Cormack (2024-05-14). Steven Moffat confirms he wrote Doctor Who Christmas 2024 special: 'Is that my final moment?'. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-05-14.
- ↑ James Hibbs (2024-06-23). Doctor Who boss says Christmas special is 'maddest ever'. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-06-23.
- ↑ Lidia Molina-Whyte (2024-07-04). Steven Moffat talks Doctor Who Christmas special: 'Nicola Coughlan will break your heart'. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-07-04.
- ↑ Friendship Is Universal - a Festive Special Competition!. doctorwho.tv. BBC Studios (8 October 2024). Archived from the original on 8 October 2024. Retrieved on 8 October 2024.
- ↑ Louise Griffin (2024-11-15). Doctor Who unveils new Christmas special teaser for Children in Need. RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-11-16.
- ↑ @bbcdoctorwho (2024-11-20). 34 days to prep the ham and cheese toasties and a pumpkin latte! 🎄
Watch JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available #DoctorWho. Archived from the original on 2024-11-21. - ↑ @bbcdoctorwho (2024-11-23). Check in to Christmas, everywhere, all at once! ✨🎄
Watch #DoctorWho: JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available. Archived from the original on 2024-11-24. - ↑ @bbcdoctorwho (2024-11-23). Check in to Christmas, everywhere, all at once! ✨🎄
Watch #DoctorWho: JOY TO THE WORLD this Christmas Day on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer simultaneously in the UK and on @DisneyPlus where available. Archived from the original on 2024-11-24. - ↑ Huw Fullerton (2024-11-26). Doctor Who Christmas special will solve "longest-standing mystery". RadioTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2024-11-17.
- ↑ Emily Murray; Nick Setchfield (2024-11-30). Writer Steven Moffat promises that his Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special is lighter and more fun than his previous episodes: "It's not Blink". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 2024-11-30.
- ↑ Bradley Russell; Nick Setchfield. The Doctor Who Christmas special will explore what it's like to be in the Time Lord's head when he's "got no one to be the Doctor for". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 2024-12-01.