An iconic Doctor Who star returns to the show for its 14th series with Ncuti Gatwa – 37 YEARS after her debut, appearing alongside two incarnations of the Time Lord
Doctor Who star Bonnie Langford returns to the show for the upcoming 14th series, more than three decades after she originally boarded the TARDIS.
The actress, 58, is reprising her role as Melanie Bush for the new series alongside incoming Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, and her return will hit the screens in 2024.
Bonnie made her Who debut in 1986 as Melanie alongside the Sixth Doctor Colin Baker, becoming the companion of the Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy.
It also comes after the West End star briefly reprized her role in the BBC’s Centenery Special The Power Of The Doctor last year.
Ncuti will debut as the new Doctor in a Christmas special later this year, after David Tennant reprises the role for a trio of specials to mark the show’s 60th anniversary in November.
Blast from the past! Doctor Who star Bonnie Langford returns to the show for the upcoming 14th series, more than three decades after she originally boarded the TARDIS
Back to the TARDIS! The actress reprises her role as Melanie Bush for the new series alongside incoming Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, and her return will hit the screens in 2024.
Of her return, Bonnie said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing Melanie Bush back.
“Being part of the exceptional cast, crew and production team led by the force of nature that is Russell T Davies has been a career highlight.
“I am so privileged and proud to have been a member of the Doctor Who family since the classic era and to be part of the new generation is phenomenal.”
Showrunner, Russell T Davies said, ‘Open those TARDIS doors wide, ’cause Bonnie’s back! What an honor, delight and hoot to welcome back Melanie’s character after too long an absence.
“And this isn’t just a cameo, Bonnie is right in the middle of the action, battling monsters and mayhem and cliffhangers, right on the doctor’s side, just like old times.”
Bonnie made her West End debut aged just seven in Gone with the Wind at Theater Royal Drury Lane and has had an outstanding career ever since.
She has made numerous appearances on both Broadway and the West End, such as Chicago, 9 to 5 and Cats, before her award-winning role as Carmel Kazemi on EastEnders.
In addition to Ncuti’s Doctor in the TARDIS, his companion will be Ruby Sunday, played by Coronation Street star Millie Gibson.
Dynamic duo! Bonnie made her Who debut in 1986 as Melanie alongside Sixth Doctor Colin Baker
Adventure! She then became the companion of the Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, before leaving the show in 1986.
Cameo! It also comes after the West End star briefly reprized her role last year in the BBC’s Centenery Special The Power Of The Doctor
The new series marks a brand new era for the show under returning showrunner Russell T Davies, following the departure of Chris Chibnall and the last Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker, last year.
Bonnie’s last appearance on Who aired in 1987 when she said goodbye to the Doctor to travel the universe with the rogue Glitz.
It was previously announced that the likes of Jinkx Monsoon and Jonathan Groff will be joining the cast for Ncuti’s upcoming Doctor Who series.
The Broadway star, 38, who is known for the crime series Mindhunter, was previously announced to take part in the sci-fi series.
The BBC said he will play a “mysterious and thrilling” guest star in which he will “jump aboard the Tardis.”