Doctor Who Showrunner Debunks Rumor Joy To The World Fan-Favorite Character Will Return To The Show

by

Summary

  • Fans loved Anita’s chemistry with the Doctor and want her back.
  • Steven Moffat stated Anita wasn’t written for multiple episodes.
  • The future return of Anita in Doctor Who is uncertain but possible.

In the captivating special episode of Doctor Who titled “Joy to the World,” one particular character left a lasting impression on me as a movie critic. The audience and I can’t help but yearn for this character’s return in the forthcoming season, yet alas, the writer has hinted that such an appearance might be an improbable dream.

Last year, Steven Moffat penned the “Doctor Who” Christmas special that introduced Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, Nicola Coughlan as Joy Almond, Joel Fry as Trev Simpskins, Stephanie de Whalley as Anita Benn, Julia Watson as Hilda Flockhart, and Jonathan Aris as the Hotel Manager, among others. One of these characters gained significant attention from viewers and became a favorite. Many are eager for their return in future episodes. However, Moffat’s comments on the possibility of this character returning have dampened fan enthusiasm.

In the given episode, Gatwa’s character The Doctor encountered Whalley’s character Anita, who worked at the Sandringham Hotel, where Joy reserved a room. After Joy was moved to the Time Hotel, the Fifteenth Doctor occupied her room for an entire year and developed a close friendship with Anita. They initiated a weekly gathering they named “Chair Night,” consisting of evenings spent dining on takeout food, playing board games, and conversing. Since they spent a year together, viewers got to see a lot of Anita with The Doctor, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Upon The Doctor’s departure from Anita, fans were saddened by their separation due to the palpable chemistry between them. Consequently, many are now hoping for a future reunion between the two characters so they can witness more interactions with Anita.

In the interview, Moffat discussed the limited appearance of Anita in the series, stating that while they developed a special connection between the Doctor and Anita, it wasn’t meant to span multiple episodes. He referred to it as a ‘quasi-romance.’ Later in the conversation, Moffat expressed uncertainty about his future involvement with Doctor Who after writing the Season 14 episode “Boom” and the Christmas special. Despite having written numerous scripts, he mentioned that he wasn’t certain if he still had ideas for the show or if he would even be wanted back, given his busy schedule. He concluded by saying, “I’m not actively ruling it out, but I’m not making any promises either.

According to Moffat’s comments, there are currently no immediate plans to reintroduce Anita into the series. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility of her return in the future, as Doctor Who has a history of bringing back old characters. Given that the show has been running for over six decades, it’s not uncommon to see familiar faces resurface. The chemistry between Anita and the Doctor is one of the reasons fans love them together – she’s charismatic, intelligent, and relatable, while the Doctor finds in her a capable, empathetic companion. Their interactions are warm and heartfelt, making their scenes memorable. It’s this genuine connection that leaves fans hoping for another appearance by Anita.

Doctor Who Season 14 premieres on Disney Plus in May 2025.

Read More

2025-02-04 17:56