Millie Gibson will make her first appearance as Doctor Who’s new companion on Christmas Day.
Gibson played Kelly Neelan, on Coronation Street and exited the soap last year in a suitably special fx-filled special, featuring volume technology usually reserved for shows like The Mandalorian.
“It’s the great honour of my job to find the next generation of talent, and Millie shines like a star already,” said Showrunner, Russell T Davies.
“She’s brilliant, dynamic, clever and a wonderful actor. As a Coronation Street fan, I’ve seen Millie survive chases, guns and sieges, but that’s nothing compared to what lies ahead for Ruby Sunday.”
One thing she won’t have come across in Corrie is “mythical and mysterious goblins” which is what she’ll face in The Church on Ruby Road.
Starring alongside newly installed, 15th Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education), there’s very little known about her character, Ruby Sunday, as she was abandoned on Christmas Eve as a baby.
She now lives with her mum and grandmother.
“Millie just is the companion,” said Ncuti Gatwa.
“She is full of talent, strength, she has a cheeky sparkle in her eye and is sharp as a razor. From the moment she walked into the room she captured all of our attention with her effervescence and then solidified that attention with the sheer torque of her talent. This adventure is going to be so wild and so fun, I cannot WAIT to sail the universe with Millie!”
The Christmas Day episode will also feature Davina McCall as herself, Michelle Greenidge as Ruby’s mum Carla, Angela Wynter as Ruby’s grandmother Cherry and Anita Dobson as Mrs Flood.
“Whilst still being in total disbelief, I am beyond honoured to be cast as the Doctor’s companion,” added Neelan.
“It is a gift of a role, and a dream come true, and I will do everything to try and fill the boots the fellow companions have travelled in before me. And what better way to do that than being by the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa’s side, I just can’t wait to get started.”
Doctor Who’s 2023 Christmas Special will be on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK from 5.55pm on 25 December.
