Table of Contents
- 1. Preparing for Anita Benn in “Joy to the World”
- 2. Developing chemistry with Ncuti Gatwa
- 3. Anita’s role expansion
- 4. Portraying the Doctor-Anita friendship
- 5. Film roles and artistic growth
- 6. Lessons from directing theater
- 7. Impact of DYCP grant
- 8. Voice acting vs. film and stage
- 9. Demands of motion capture
- 10. Classical theater’s influence
- 11. Fan response and returning to “Doctor Who”
- 12. Future goals in acting and directing
Introduction
In June, we caught up with Stephanie de Whalley (also known as Steph), a London‑based actress and director who recently captured hearts with her portrayal of Anita Benn in the Doctor Who Christmas special Joy to the World and its follow‑up season 15 episode, The Reality War. Originally from Seaford, East Sussex, Steph brings a sincere warmth and depth to her screen roles—qualities that have also guided her growing work behind the scenes.
Spotlight on Stephanie de Whalley
From Seaford to Centre Stage
Born in 1988 in Brighton and raised in Seaford, East Sussex, Steph later relocated to London to pursue her creative ambitions. She has blurred the line between performance and direction, earning a DYCP grant from Arts Council England to support her growth as a director.
Breakthrough in the Whoniverse
Her first television credit came with the role of Anita Benn—a hotel manager who formed an unforgettable bond with the Doctor. Originally filmed as a Christmas special in 2024, the character returned for the season finale in 2025, launching Steph into the spotlight. Critics praised her performance, calling her a highlight of the episode and a show-stealing presence.
Diverse Projects & Roles
Beyond Doctor Who, Steph has appeared in indie films like 50 Kisses (2014), Cyber Bride (2019), and the recent feature Midnight Taxi (2024). She’s also taken to motion capture in AAA video games and graced the West End in stage productions such as Magic Goes Wrong.
Behind the Lens: Director and Collaborator
Steph’s talents aren’t confined to acting. She has assisted direction on Mischief Theatre’s Peter Pan Goes Wrong across the West End, UK tours, and international stages. She also served as Associate Director for the UK tour of Spy Movie: The Play!, helping shape a new generation of theater productions from backstage.
Interview with Stephanie De Whalley
Lots of practice! I worked in a hotel as a teenager which was very helpful.
Luckily it just sort of happened! We got on so well. Good writing helps!
I was very lucky! It was a case of the role expanding and just adapting to a larger story arc as much as I could.
We just had a lot of fun. There wasn’t time for much prep between us. I imagined the Doctor as one of my own friends and meeting them for the first time.
It’s always wonderful to play a new role. I think every job develops your sense of imagination and creativity. I’m fortunate to have had a lot of different life experiences to draw on too.
I studied English literature at university & that has hugely informed my understanding of textual analysis. I think in turn, this is what is paramount for staging theatre: good textual understanding and appreciating the work of the actor.
I received some fantastic mentorship & shadowed some directors I know.
Voice work & MoCap are both so different. The 3D studio in motion capture is amazing as you can see your placements in 3D on live screens – it helps characterisation. With voice there’s a lot of maintaining the size of the voice suitable for the role and performance.
It’s very demanding as I’m usually cast in very physical roles. You don’t have to worry so much about continuity in theatre, but for MoCap & screen it’s vital.
It’s all the same preparation really.
I’m so humbled and overwhelmed by the love for Anita. I’d return given ANY opportunity.
I’ve loved working in TV and recently wrapped on another screen project so I hope more may come.
