The BBC has confirmed the return of a classic Doctor Who villain, seen in the mid-credits scene of The Interstellar Song Contest, for the Series 15 finale, Wish World/ The Reality War.
At the conclusion of The Interstellar Song Contest, Mrs Flood (Anita Dobson) bi-generated, so both she and Archie Panjabi are playing the Rani, a Time Lord previously played by Kate O’Mara who debuted in the 1985 Sixth Doctor story, The Mark of the Rani. We’re told that “Archie Panjabi and Anita Dobson will appear in the two-part finale Wish World and The Reality War, which will see the Doctor and the Rani go head-to-head in a monumental battle that will send shockwaves through the Whoniverse.”
Panjabi is known for her roles as Zahra Gahfoor in Hijack, Kendra Malley in Departure, and Kalinda Sharma in The Good Wife; the latter earned her a Primetime Emmy Award.
Archie Panjabi said:
“It seems there’s been quite a bit of speculation about the Rani’s return…and who can blame you? Kate O’Mara’s portrayal was brilliant, ruthless and unforgettable. Now, under Russell T Davies, she’s back- and I’ll ask…what in the WHOniverse will we bring to her? Let’s just say, you might not be ready!”
Russell T Davies, showrunner, said:
“Ncuti [Gatwa, the Fifteenth Doctor] always said he wanted to face the Rani, so after 32 years, she’s back! It’s an honour to work with Archie – I’ve been a fan for years, and what a joy, to see her twinned with Anita Dobson. It’s the greatest threat the Doctor has ever faced… and there are even more villains to come!”
Conrad Clark (Jonah Hauer-King) will also join the pair after his first appearance in Lucky Day.
Wish World airs on Saturday 24th May, while The Reality War will premiere simultaneously on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in a primetime evening slot on Saturday 31st May, and Disney+ outside of the UK (where available), as well as in over 450 cinemas across the UK and Ireland.
