Doctor Who Showrunner Addresses Rumors About Return of Joy To The World Fan-Favorite Character

Overview

Fans expressed a strong desire for Anita’s return to the Doctor Who universe.
Steven Moffat clarified that Anita was not intended for a recurring role.
The prospects of Anita’s return remain uncertain but are not entirely ruled out.

The recent Doctor Who Christmas special titled “Joy to the World”has sparked significant interest in one of its characters, Anita. Although viewers are eager to see her return in future episodes, the show’s writer has indicated that this may not happen.

Written by Steven Moffat, the episode features a captivating performance by Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, alongside an impressive cast including Nicola Coughlan as Joy Almond, Joel Fry as Trev Simpskins, and Stephanie de Whalley portraying Anita Benn. Out of these characters, Anita emerged as a standout, winning the hearts of many fans who expressed hopes for her return. However, Moffat’s comments regarding her role seem to dampen these inclinations.

In “Joy to the World, ”the Doctor and Anita bond during her tenure at the Sandringham Hotel, where Joy, another pivotal character, stays. Over the span of a year, the Doctor becomes well-acquainted with Anita, and they establish a delightful tradition called “Chair Night, ”filled with takeaway dinners, board games, and meaningful conversations. Their camaraderie resonated strongly with the audience, leading to a collective disappointment when they were finally torn apart.

Steven Moffat addressed the fan hopes for Anita’s character, unveiling that there were no plans in place for her to return for additional episodes. He mentioned to RadioTimes, “Anita wasn’t written for multiple episodes.”He described their relationship as a semi-romantic connection, acknowledging the constraints he faced.“So we just turned it into a little, not exactly romance, but a sort of quasi-romance with Anita, ”he added, clearing up the context of their relationship within the episode.

Moreover, Moffat reflected on his future with Doctor Who after contributing to Season 14’s “Boom”episode and the Christmas special. Expressing uncertainty about his potential return, he remarked, “I don’t know if they’ll want me, and I don’t know what my schedule will be.”His indecision leaves fans pondering whether we might see him again in this beloved franchise.

Despite the lack of immediate plans for Anita’s reappearance, her return is still within the realm of possibility. Doctor Who has a long-standing tradition of resurrecting characters, with the series celebrating over six decades of history. Fans’ adoration for Anita stems from her charisma and relatability, which complement the Doctor’s unique qualities beautifully. Their interactions are marked by warmth and chemistry, making Anita a character that viewers are eager to see again.

As a reminder, Doctor Who Season 14 is set to debut on Disney Plus in May 2025.

Source: RadioTimes

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