Rose Ayling-Ellis (Aliss)
How did you come to be cast in Doctor Who?
Andy Pryor, the casting director, has been a big supporter of mine for years. He really believed in me and championed me for the role of Aliss. I owe this one to him.
How did you feel when you were told you got the part of Aliss?
Incredible. I’ve always wanted to be part of the show – and to land a complex, layered character like Aliss made it even more exciting.
Was it hard to keep the secret from your friends and family?
Not really – I told my parents right away, and I trust them completely. I held off telling friends because I wanted to surprise them…
How would you describe your character, Aliss?
She’s a determined mother, desperate to find her daughter. Emotional, scared, holding it together – but barely. She’s raw and real.
What was it like working with Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu?
They were lovely – kind, supportive, and so much fun. We clicked straight away. When it’s time to work, they’re completely focused. I’d love to work with them again.
How did you find filming?
It was amazing. I’m used to fast-paced shoots, so spending nearly a month on one episode was a new experience. I loved how much care went into every detail.
Will you be watching from behind the sofa?
Not at all, I love scary shows! I’ll be right in front of the telly. I haven’t seen the final cut yet, so I’m just as excited as everyone else.
If you could travel in the TARDIS, where would you go?
Into space to look back at the Earth, the stars, the moon. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime view very few people get to see.
How would you describe the episode in one word or phrase?
Run… but you can’t hide.
Christopher Chung (Cassio)
How does it feel to be a part of Doctor Who?
Surreal! It’s absolutely mind blowing to be in something that’s so iconic as Doctor Who. I’ve wanted to be a part of it for a long time, so to fulfil that dream has been everything I wanted and more.
What was your experience like on set?
My on-set experience was fantastic! Ncuti and Varada were such fantastic leaders on the production, so we had a whole lot of fun. We filmed in Bad Wolf Studios for a good majority of the of the episode. The sets are absolutely mind blowing. The amount of detail that has gone into them, there is no reason why you wouldn’t think that you’re in that space.
How was it working with the other cast?
Working with Rose (Ayling-Ellis) was so much fun. She has such a cheeky humour. She was teaching me British Sign Language, as she did with all of us, little bits here and there. She’s so exceptionally sweet and giving and just up for a laugh, so it was a lot of fun to work with her. Ncuti and Varada made such a huge effort to make everyone feel comfortable and that we’re here to make something really special. It was an absolute joy to work with them, and I’d love to work with them all again.
Were you a fan of the show before you joined?
I was too scared to watch it as a kid [laughs]. As I got older and realised how much of a cultural institution it was, I started to watch more of it. I’d say that one of my favourite monsters are the Weeping Angels.
What can viewers expect from the episode?
To be hiding behind their sofa, but peeking over because they want to know what’s happened…
Is there anything you can tell us about your character?
Cassio is a trooper who follows the rules and does things by the book, but when the Doctor challenges that, he finds it difficult. He was a very interesting character to play.
If you could travel anywhere in time and space, where would you go and why?
I would go to Ancient Egypt because of the fashion.
Can you sum up your episode in one word or phrase?
The Well is deep and mysterious…
Caoilfhionn Dunne (Shaya)
How does it feel to be a part of Doctor Who?
It’s amazing. It’s a dream come true. I’ve been a huge fan of the show for a very, very long time. It’s very exciting.
How did the role come about? Did you have to keep it a secret?
I got a phone call asking if I’d like to be a part of it, and I said “Yes, please”. I actually kept it a secret from everybody until the trailer came out. I thought there’s no point in telling anyone. It’s exciting watching the first trailer. I watch that trailer every year, and I go “who’s in it this year”, and I pick people out and go, “Oh brilliant, they’re in it”. I thought it would be nicer for people to see me in it and get that surprise, rather than me tell them.
What’s your favourite alien or monster from Doctor Who?
It has to be The Weeping Angels. They’re genuinely terrifying, and in a show where there is a threat level from everything, to have something that is genuinely that scary… they’re brilliant.
What was it like being on set and seeing the Doctor Who set?
It’s amazing what they’ve done over in Cardiff, it really is. There are so many worlds under one roof. The props and the design guys are absolutely incredible at what they do, creating whole words, it’s wonderful. It really is. Once that’s done, that’s your job halved, because the world is there.
I didn’t go on the TARDIS, though. I saw the inside but didn’t want to go on it. It’s a weird thing of being on it, it’s almost like you have to earn your place to go on the TARDIS. As a fan, that’s a line, I still want to have something.
How was filming the episode, and what was it like working with the other cast?
It was an amazing cast of people. Rose (Ayling-Ellis) is incredible, and Chris (Chung) has become my annoying little brother at this stage [laughs] and Bethany (Antonia), Bethany is a star. The whole gang were amazing. But Ncuti and Varada, they have so many people coming in and out week after week, like a revolving door of actors, and they have so much patience, so much grace, and they’re so kind and welcoming to everyone that comes in. It makes what is otherwise a very daunting experience that much easier.
We’ve heard this episode is going to be scary, how was it to film?
When you’re inside of it, it doesn’t feel as scary, because it’s so by the numbers. But on the page, when we were reading it, you knew it was something special. It read as a very, very intense, thrilling episode.
What can you tell us about your character?
Shaya is very professional, almost to her detriment, but a good person under all of that. As always, the Doctor brings out the best of the people he encounters.
What else can viewers expect from the episode?
Thrills and spills. It’s got a bit of everything. It’s scary, it’s exciting, it’s funny, as always, that’s the great thing about this show. There’s always light with the shade.
If you could travel anywhere in time and space, where would you go?
I think I would go to London in the 1960s, for whatever that vibe was that people were on. They were having the time of their lives, and anything kind of went. You could be who you wanted to be, if only for a brief amount of time, and do what you wanted to do. The swinging sixties!
What is it you love about Doctor Who?
I love it because there’s something very open about it. Even as a grown up, having somebody who is almost a very simple hero, in that they’re just trying to put things right. They’re just looking for the good. Not that the Doctor doesn’t have a dark side to him, he does, and when that comes out it can be very interesting.
But, the idea of somebody looking at the human race and finding us fascinating and nice enough to travel through the Universe with repeatedly, because there is something good in us. And the Doctor being there brings out the best in whoever he is with. It sounds like a childish idea, but it’s not, it’s just good. Sometimes it’s nice to have something that’s that simple, that’s that good of an idea, and almost pure.
Can you sum up your episode in one word or phrase?
A thrilling horror.
Sharma Angel-Walfall (Writer)
Welcome to the Whoniverse! How did your involvement in Doctor Who come about?
My agent rang me and said Russell [T Davies] has read your work and scripts, he wants to meet up and have a general chat. The chat was incredible, I really enjoyed it. He told me there and then that he wanted me to be involved with writing an episode of Doctor Who. It was great, I wasn’t expecting it.
What can you tell us about writing an episode of Doctor Who, is it very different to other projects you’ve worked on?
It’s different in the way that I was working closely with Russell. Our story meetings were very much just me and him, there was constant back and forth. It was like a little writers’ bubble between me and Russell. The show is a big machine, so I went in there feeling very nervous. But I very, very quickly realised that everyone was lovely. I work on different shows, so it’s always about adapting, but I would say it was a lot more fun than I was expecting. It was freeing.
With Russell, he’s so generous in allowing the writers to come up with so many ideas, so we’re always constantly banging ideas back and forth. That was very refreshing. And for me, it was going into a world I haven’t done before. I got to stretch my legs as a writer. But it was all so brilliant.
What can fans expect from The Well?
They can expect to be wowed. There’s an element of fear in there, it’s got that kind of scary, on the edge of your seat kind of vibe. It’s got a lot of heart and warmth and beautiful characters.
Can you tell us about writing the relationship between the Doctor and Belinda?
It was so much fun to write the dynamics between the Doctor and Belinda, they have a unique relationship. It’s always going to be hard when you have to live up to the amazing writing before that has created some great partnerships. I also hadn’t seen Belinda on the television yet, so it was a little bit tricky at first. But I was in constant contact with Russell, and Russell would pick up on things. You just have to keep persisting and find what works.
This episode has been described as a real ‘hide behind the sofa’ episode. Tell us about the writing process for something like this?
I agree with that, it’s very scary. When you’re writing, you’re trying to work out the mechanisms as to how to make it scary. You’re not sure whether you’ve hit all the marks until you’ve watched it back. But it’s very scary, I completely agree with that.
If you could travel in the TARDIS to any time and place in the universe, where would you go?
I love history, so I’d want to go back in time. If I had the chance to go in the TARDIS and travel anywhere, it would be back in time. I love the different eras, I’d love to see what it was like in the sixties and seventies.
If you had to describe the episode in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Epic.
Doctor Who continued on BBC One on Saturday 19th April with ‘Lux’ which scored overnight audience of 1.58m. The consolidated rating – which will include iPlayer, devices and catch-up, will be released w/c 28th April 2025.
It was BBC One’s fourth most watched programme of the day, behind BBC News, Casualty and Blankety Blank – with the latter ahead by a whisker. In the absence of Gladiators, Doctor Who inherited a third of the audience compared to last week’s lead-in, which set the tone for BBC One having an underwhelming night all round.
Jo Whiley and Steffan Powell give us 20 revelations, surprises and confessions from the 20 years since Doctor Who was brought back to our screens. Featuring contributions from Russell T Davies, Ncuti Gatwa, Rylan, Alex Kingston and Jemma Redgrave plus many more cast and crew.
Sophie Aldred – who succeeded Bonnie Langford in the BBC1 show – will be talking about her experiences playing seventh doctor Sylvester McCoy’s sidekick Ace.
Tickets to hear about her adventures battling the Daleks and Cybermen are £10 – which buys admission to what are described as “panel talks”. General entry to the Doctor Who-themed extravaganza on Saturday 10 May is just £5 – with free admission for under-12s.
Places for the panel talks are limited so hurry to book by calling 0115 907 1141 or emailing museum@erewash.gov.uk
The event comes as Erewash Council launches a public consultation about making the award-winning museum near Ilkeston Market Place even better. The survey is open until Friday 25 April and can be accessed at: Erewash Museum and Gardens Survey | Let’s Talk Erewash
The museum’s Doctor Who day has seen it team up with Derby-based fan club Whoovers to stage what is being billed as “A Time-Travelling Exploration”. Museum-goers are being urged on posters: “Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the TARDIS – and be on the lookout for some spectacular Daleks roaming the event!” The much-anticipated latest series of Doctor Who recently kicked off (Sat 12 April) – bringing back fond memories for actress Sophie, who appeared as the Time Lord’s companion in the late 1980s.
She went on to reprise the role of Ace in the October 2022 Doctor Who BBC Centenary special The Power of the Doctor.
Sophie, now 62, remains such a fan of the series she has written books about it including a novel. Asked what she would say if invited to star alongside latest doctor Ncuti Gatwa she declared: “Yeah, where’s the contract? I’ll sign it!”
Erewash Museum welcomes some 20,000 people a year. It is normally open from 11am to 4pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – and is free to visit. During school holidays it also opens on Wednesdays. Refreshments are available at its Dalby House Café.
Doctor Who series 15’s second episode, Lux, sees the Doctor’s quest to get Belinda home taking the Tardis to Miami in 1952, where an abandoned cinema is hiding a terrifying secret.
Can the Doctor uncover Lux’s power? And what can we expect from the episode?
Alan Cumming and director Amanda Brotchie explain all…
Alan Cumming (Mr Ring-A-Ding)
You have already appeared in an episode of Doctor Who, as King James I alongside the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker). What made you want to return to the Whoniverse?
As a little boy who grew up with Doctor Who, anytime it’s mentioned for me to be in it, the little boy in me jumps. Also, last time I was on the show, it was on location in a muddy forest in Wales in February, and I was wearing a very itchy wig and beard, so doing a voice where I could stay warm and wear what I like was a great boon!
What was it like working with Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu? Did you get to meet them, despite it being a voice role?
It was lovely to work with them both. They are the most giving and playful scene partners. Actually, I’ve never met either of them, and I only acted to them on a screen from the other side of the world!
If you had to describe the episode in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Art Deco menace.
Do you enjoy playing more menacing and villainous characters like Mr Ring-A-Ding?
It is a truism that villains always get the best line, and are always much more juicy to play. I guess my favourite kind of villains are the ones that are misunderstood while Mr Ring-A-Ding does not have any redeeming qualities, he does start out quite fun and endearing, so there is an arc to him that I enjoyed.
How did you find out about the part? Did Russell reach out to you directly?
Yes, it was an email from Russell via my agent. I’ve been trying to work with him for years and it always just misses, so I’m really glad this worked out.
Amanda Brotchie (Director)
What can audiences expect to see from Lux?
Audiences can expect to see the signature mix of sci-fi, action and humour that I love about Doctor Who. And a genuine rapport developing between Belinda and the Doctor, as she wraps her head around what it is to travel through time and space. They’ll see an episode that plays with the rules of narrative and genre in unexpected ways.
What was your reaction when you first heard the idea for this episode?
I was given the script to read when it was already pretty much as you’ll see it on screen. I’m a huge cinephile, so I immediately loved the setting, the nostalgia for celluloid. I loved Raymond Queneau’s Flight of Icarus, that mingling of art and life. But to have an animated character step out of the screen was something new and the character is so mercurial and commanding — I’d never read anything like it.
I loved the humour and wit in the episode, and the huge heart and the monumental imagination of the genius who wrote it (Russell T Davies). It’s the perfect episode. I grew up on Warner Brothers cartoons and reading Carl Barks’ comics, so all the elements just came together for me.
What was it like bringing Miami in the 1950s to life, the iconic setting for this episode?
It would have been much easier to bring 1950s Miami to life if we were in Miami [laughs]. Doing it in Penarth was way more challenging. Especially when shooting in early January during two named storms at Penarth pier. But the incredible production design team, costumes, hair & make up, lighting and photography, and visual effects helped create a tropical, balmy atmosphere. I felt for Ncuti and Varada though, who had to look warm in zero degrees Celsius and a stiff wind.
Was it difficult to direct an episode featuring an animated character?
I treated the animated character like any other villain, using moves and angles that fitted the character and story beat. We used a Mr Ring-a-Ding standee to get our focus points. It was much harder for the cast, who had to look as though they all were looking at the same point where Mr Ring-a-Ding was supposed to be. And I was very fortunate to be able work with the crew at Framestore who brought Mr Ring-a-Ding to life. They were meticulous in creating a cartoon and character from the Fleischer era, and giving him such mischievous expressiveness. Some of the animators even worked on Roger Rabbit. Animation royalty.
The costumes in this episode are so fun. What can you tell us about them?
The costume department, including Pam Downe and Raissa Hans – like all the departments – have a great eye and attention to detail. The colours, design and choice of fabrics came together pretty quickly. We loved bright colours, a sheen for the Doctor’s suit and Belinda’s flared skirt for the fun and nostalgia of 50s America.
This episode takes place almost entirely at night, so we needed the colours to pop. And I liked the idea of primary colours — blue, yellow and red cinema interior, which is where they spend most of the episode.
If you could travel in the TARDIS to any time and place in the universe, where would you go?
I’m a bit of a history buff, so I’d probably be boring and choose somewhere in the past. Somewhere cushy and cultured where I can interact with the locals with no drama whatsoever. Like late 1920s Paris. Hang out with Lee Miller and the gang.
If you had to describe the episode in one word or phrase, what would it be?
Fab-tastic and about 1000 exclamation marks.
Beloved British actress Jean Marsh, who co-created and starred in the iconic period drama Upstairs, Downstairs, has died at the age of 90.
The Emmy-winning star passed away peacefully at her home in London on Sunday, her close friend, filmmaker Michael Lindsay-Hogg, confirmed.
The cause of death was reported as complications from dementia.
Jean, known for her striking features and commanding presence, became a household name in the 1970s thanks to her unforgettable role as Rose Buck – the no-nonsense but warm-hearted head parlour maid – in the much-loved ITV series set in Edwardian England.
Upstairs, Downstairs was a ground-breaking show that captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. It aired in the UK from 1971 to 1975 and in the US from 1974 to 1977, drawing millions of viewers.
Her compelling performance as Rose earned her a prestigious Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series – one of seven Emmys the show would ultimately collect, along with a coveted Peabody Award.
Born in Stoke Newington, north London, in 1934, Marsh began her career as a stage actress before making her name on television and film screens in the 1950s and ’60s.
Her career spanned over six decades, with appearances in everything from sci-fi classics to Hollywood films.
Marsh has appeared several times in the BBC series Doctor Who. She first appeared alongside William Hartnell in the 1965 serial The Crusade as Lady Joanna, the sister of Richard I (The Lionheart). She returned later that year as companion Sara Kingdom in 9 episodes of the 12-part serial The Daleks’ Master Plan. Marsh reprised the role in the audio plays Home Truths (2008), The Drowned World (2009), The Guardian of the Solar System (2010), The Five Companions (2011), The Anachronauts (2012), The Light At The End (2013), An Ordinary Life (2014) and The Sontarans (2016). She also appeared in the 1989 television serial Battlefield as Morgaine, as well as the 2007 audio play The Wishing Beast. She made an un-billed cameo appearance in the 2013 docudrama about Doctor Who, An Adventure in Space and Time.
Her big-screen credits included roles in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy, and the 1967 James Bond spoof Casino Royale.
She also starred in fantasy favourites like Return to Oz (1985) and Willow (1988), where she portrayed the evil Queen Bavmorda in a memorably menacing performance.
On television, Marsh was a familiar face in countless dramas, including The Twilight Zone, The Love Boat, The House of Eliott, and 9 to 5.
She also appeared in several Shakespearean adaptations and held her own opposite the likes of Laurence Olivier and Judi Dench.
But it was Upstairs, Downstairs — which she co-created alongside friend and fellow actress Eileen Atkins — that cemented her place in television history.
Marsh played the no-nonsense yet warm-hearted parlour maid Rose Buck in the Edwardian-set ITV drama, which aired from 1971 to 1975 and explored the complex relationship between the aristocratic Bellamy family and their servants.
The show became an international sensation, winning seven Emmy Awards, a BAFTA and a Peabody, with Marsh taking home the 1975 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series — a rare accolade for a British performer at the time.
She reprised the role of Rose in the BBC’s 2010 revival of Upstairs, Downstairs, where she returned as the housekeeper, bridging the gap between old and new generations of fans.
Despite her fame, Marsh remained fiercely private. She had a brief marriage to actor Jon Pertwee, the Third Doctor in Doctor Who, in the 1950s, but the pair later divorced and remained friends.
Known for her intelligence, wit and elegance, Marsh was not only a talented actress but also a passionate advocate for women’s voices in the arts.
Marsh was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to drama.
Doctor Who returned to BBC One on Saturday 12th April with ‘The Robot Revolution’ which scored overnight audience of 2.0m. The consolidated rating – which will include iPlayer, devices and catch-up, will be released w/c 21st April.
It was the fourth most-watched programme of the day across all channels and streamers, and the second most-watched for BBC One behind the Gladiators final which was watched by 2.9m.
Doctor Who continues Saturdays on BBC One, with each episode available from 8am on BBC iPlayer.
Calling all Eurovision fans! This season of Doctor Who will follow the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) as they travel to the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest – where planets from across the universe compete for the top prize, and along for the ride is the King of Eurovision himself, Graham Norton.
Graham Norton joins the ensemble cast for the episode, which includes guest appearances from stars of stage and screen Freddie Fox, Rylan, Kadiff Kirwan, Charlie Condou and Miriam-Teak Lee.
Russell T Davies, Showrunner said:
“There’s no song contest without the great man himself, and it was an honour to welcome Graham Norton to our studios in Cardiff. And it’s not just a cameo, he has a whole plot twist all to himself! This is the wildest episode of all, and we’re lucky to have Graham adding to the mayhem.”
The Interstellar Song Contest, which features an appearance from Graham Norton, is the sixth episode of the upcoming season and is set to air on Saturday 17 May.
Series 15 of Doctor Who launches this Saturday (12 April) in the UK exclusively on BBC iPlayer at 8am and on BBC One at 6:50pm, and exclusively on Disney+ outside of the UK (where available). Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television.
The BBC have confirmed that the second episode ‘Lux’, written by Russell T Davies, will air at 7:15pm on Saturday 19th April, with the episode available on iPlayer the same day from 8am in the UK and Disney+ internationally. The run time is 43 minutes.
The synopsis for the episode reads:
“The Doctor’s quest to get Belinda home takes the Tardis to Miami in 1952, where an abandoned cinema is hiding a terrifying secret. Can the Doctor uncover Lux’s power?”
CAST LIST:
|
The Doctor |
Ncuti Gatwa |
|
Belinda Chandra |
Varada Sethu |
|
Reginald Pye |
Linus Roache |
|
Mr Ring-a-Ding |
Alan Cumming |
|
Newsreader |
Ian Shaw |
|
Tommy Lee |
Cassius Hackforth |
|
Husband |
Ryan Speakman |
|
Sunshine Sally |
Millie O’Connell |
|
Logan Cheever |
Lewis Cornay |
|
Renée Lowenstein |
Lucy Thackeray |
|
Helen Pye |
Jane Hancock |
|
Policeman |
William Meredith |
|
Hassan |
Samir Arrian |
|
Lizzie |
Bronte Barbe |
|
Robyn |
Steph Lacey |
|
Mrs Flood |
Anita Dobson |
|
Writer |
Russell T Davies |
