Showrunner, Russell T Davies, has put paid to any hopes of Alex Kingston returning for Doctor Who Series 15.

When asked about who could come back to the programme for Series 15, Davies replied:

“No, there is no Alex Kingston, I’m afraid… We can just be honest. We didn’t say that! Someone in the crowd shouted Alex Kingston. Actually, many people in the world shout Alex Kingston because she’s so marvellous. She’s lovely. But no. [Laughs] No. We’ve got Ruby Sunday coming back!”

Kingston first appeared as River Song in the 2008 story, Silence in the Library/ Forest of the Dead, then came back throughout the Eleventh Doctor era, in tales like The Time of Angels/ Flesh and Stone, The Wedding of River Song, and The Name of the Doctor. She then appeared opposite the Twelfth Doctor for her last appearance, The Husbands of River Song.

Ever since then, some fans and Alex herself have been eager for her return — even though her story seems to be over. Nonetheless, more tales have been added to her chronology by audio company, Big Finish, and it would be nice for her to meet the Fifteenth Doctor; after all, Ncuti Gatwa is always keen to acknowledge that River is his wife.

Will we ever see River again? It’s unlikely, but some of us can still hope.