**Doctor Who’s Holiday Episode Unveils an Unexpected James Bond Link**

The cherished sci-fi show *Doctor Who* has made a comeback with its uplifting yet poignant holiday episode, *”Joy to the World.”* Overflowing with time-bending adventures featuring dinosaurs, holograms, game nights, and critiques of capitalism, the episode presents an unexpected surprise: James Bond and *Doctor Who* officially inhabit the same universe. This discovery is credited to returning writer Steven Moffat, who weaves a new layer of mythology by connecting the two legendary British franchises via a character named Sylvia Trench.

In a special interview with *Mashable*, Moffat, who is also the episode’s writer and executive producer, explores Sylvia Trench’s role within the *Doctor Who* universe and the ramifications of her crossover.

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### Who Is Sylvia Trench?

Sylvia Trench occupies a significant spot in film history as the inaugural Bond girl. Played by the late Eunice Gayson, Sylvia features in *Dr. No* (1962) and *From Russia with Love* (1963) as James Bond’s elegant and flirtatious love interest. In *Doctor Who: Joy to the World*, Sylvia encounters the Doctor (portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa) in 1962 Italy, marking a crucial moment in the narrative.

Throughout the Doctor’s exhilarating journey across various eras—1940 Manchester, 1953 Everest, and 1962 Italy—he crosses paths with a mysterious brunette clad in a coral skirt suit. She clutches a copy of Agatha Christie’s *Murder on the Orient Express* and a handwritten love letter. Though the woman never reveals her name, the episode’s credits identify her as Sylvia Trench, now portrayed by Niamh Marie Smith. This delicate connection links her to James Bond and suggests a richer backstory than her roles in the Bond films.

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### Steven Moffat Discusses Sylvia Trench’s Hidden Life

When inquired if this Sylvia Trench is the same character from *Dr. No*, Moffat affirmed wholeheartedly, “Yes, yes.” He proceeded to express his admiration for the frequently underrated Bond girl, emphasizing her impact on defining one of Bond’s hallmark characteristics.

“She’s the reason James Bond introduces himself the way he does,” Moffat clarified. “In *Dr. No*, Bond states, ‘I admire your luck, Miss…?’ and she replies, ‘Trench. Sylvia Trench. Mister…?’ to which he says, ‘Bond. James Bond.’ That’s why, from here on out, Bond declares his surname prior to his first name.”

Although Moffat’s recollection of the dialogue is slightly inaccurate, his observation holds weight: Sylvia Trench contributed significantly to the establishment of Bond’s iconic catchphrase. Within the Bond films, Sylvia is characterized as a recurring romantic interest, a rarity in the series. Nonetheless, Moffat believed her character warranted greater recognition and depth.

“She’s the most cheated-on woman in the realm of fiction,” Moffat humorously remarked, alluding to Bond’s infamous infidelity. “But I envisioned that, while she was Bond’s girlfriend, she could also be embarking on her own escapades. I aimed to honor her story.”

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### Sylvia Trench: From Bond Girl to Queer Role Model

Moffat reinterprets Sylvia Trench in *Doctor Who* as a character imbued with agency and depth. During a key moment in *Joy to the World*, the Doctor examines the love letter Sylvia possesses and quips, “You are better off without him. His sentence structure is shocking.” This jest refers to Bond’s renowned phrase, “The name’s Bond, James Bond.” However, Sylvia swiftly sets the Doctor straight, asserting, “*I* wrote this letter!”

Trying to salvage the situation, the Doctor advises her to send the letter to its intended recipient. Sylvia’s quick comeback—“To *her!*”—introduces a groundbreaking facet to her character. With this single line, Moffat elevates Sylvia from a marginal Bond girl to a confident, independent woman pursuing her own romantic endeavors.

No longer confined by her relationship with Bond, Sylvia emerges as a queer icon embarking on adventures, journeying across Italy on the Orient Express, and drafting heartfelt messages to her Sapphic lover. This reimagining offers Sylvia a renewed perspective, establishing her as a notable character in both the *Doctor Who* and James Bond realms.

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### A New Era for Sylvia Trench

By integrating Sylvia Trench into the *Doctor Who* narrative, Steven Moffat revitalizes a character frequently eclipsed by Bond’s grand persona. No longer cast in the role of a forgotten partner, Sylvia is redefined as a vibrant, adventurous, and unapologetically queer figure.

With this daring crossover, *