The BBC has released the first photo of Nicola Coughlan in her Doctor Who role ahead of her arrival in the iconic series next year.
The Irish star has been hailed by showrunner Russell T Davies for "bringing joy" to the Doctor Who set in her yet-to-be-revealed role.
Releasing the photo, the BBC said: "The Galway-born actress has made a huge impact in film and television, having starred in standout roles such as the hilarious Clare Devlin in award-winning drama comedy series Derry Girls, Penelope Featherington in the Regency-era international sensation Bridgerton, and not to forget one of the Barbies in mega-blockbuster Barbie, alongside the Fifteenth Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa.
"Nicola is now set to make a big impact when she takes a trip through time and space in this exciting undisclosed role."
From tiaras to the time vortex! Nicola Coughlan is joining the cast of #DoctorWho 🥳 pic.twitter.com/93cmdVCA74
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) November 13, 2023
"I'm excited to join the Whoniverse under the leadership of the inimitable Russell T Davies," said Coughlan.
"I've been a fan of Ncuti Gatwa for some time and getting to share the screen with him as the Doctor has been an absolute joy."
Showrunner Davies added: "This has been the most brilliant shoot, with Nicola lighting up the set and bringing joy. From Derry, via Bridgerton, to the TARDIS, it's the trip of a lifetime."
Doctor Who returns for the first of three 60th anniversary specials on BBC One on Saturday 25 November.
