The Two Doors Down star revealed this festive detail during an interview for The Saturday Show, where she spoke candidly about her close bond with the Hollywood actor.
The siblings, who were born and raised in Drumchapel, have long been known for their tight-knit relationship – something Joy said plays into the way she chooses his gifts each year.
Although she refused to give away the exact details of this year’s present for fear of spoiling the surprise, Joy said she tends to wait for moments of inspiration rather than buying anything extravagant.
Joy recalled that ahead of James’s birthday this year, she had been unsure what to get him until he phoned to ask if she had a sharp carving knife he could borrow. This sparked a light, with Joy saying: “Ah I’m going to get you a really sharp carving knife. So, I usually just listen to things that he needs and I will buy that.
“He’s the most generous, kind guy. He’s not flashy in any way so he doesn’t like big, big fancy things. So I go for something more meaningful and thoughtful.”
During the interview, Joy also spoke proudly about James’s directorial debut, California Schemin’, which is due to close the Glasgow Film Festival when it is released on March 8, 2026.
California Schemin’ is based on the story of rap duo Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd (Image: Archives)
In reference to the film, Joy said: “I’ve seen it about 10 times. The casting is brilliant, it’s such a great film. I’m so proud of James and I hope it does really well.”
Joy also reflected on her early years in London, when she worked as James’s PA on film sets, calling it: “… the best training. I got to sit beside the monitors and see him act and how he worked with cameras and directors.”
She added that she always believed that he would make the leap to directing, saying: “He is so gifted as an actor, but he is so technically gifted as well. I’ve always said to him, ‘You need to direct.’”
Joy said visiting him on set for his debut only reinforced that belief, describing him as: “just gorgeous, so great with the actors. He’s definitely an actor’s director.”
Best known for her role as Michelle Young in the BBC sitcom Two Doors Down, Joy has cited it as being her “big break”. It was announced in October 2025 that the show will make its live debut at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow from September 25–27 and October 9–11, 2026.