Former Bionic Woman and Eastenders star Michelle Ryan will be one of the actors in the Doctor Who Easter special, playing the role of Lady Christina de Souza in the episode with the cheery title of Planet of the Dead. Ryan was also in mini-series Jekyll, a modern day take on Stevenson’s classic novel of internal horror which was penned by incoming new Who supremo Steven Moffat. Outgoing Who boss Russell T Davies refused to be drawn on rumours that Michelle was likely to be the next companion following her appearance in the special, saying only “that Lady Christina is a woman with a mysterious past who’s going to have a huge impact on the Doctor.”
(Michelle Ryan with David Tennant in a promo pic from the BBC)
Award-winning comedian Lee Evans will also be appearing in the episode playing a character called Malcolm, which I have mixed feelings about as I’ve never warmed to Evans’ re-warmed Norman Wisdom antics, although I doubt he will be doing that in the show and I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt till I see it – after all I didn’t like the idea of comedian Catherine Tate joining the show originally and she turned out to be excellent. (via the BBC)
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:48 am
I wouldn’t worry too much about Lee Evans – he was excellent, and also quite frightening, as a simple comic-savant in a film called ‘Funny Bones’ many years ago. He can shuck off that stage persona to act when required. PLus, I thought Michelle Ryan was excellent in Jekyll, so a decent line-up in my opinion. I’d rather be hopeful!
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:38 am
Interesting casting! I must admit I wasn’t keen on Jekyll but I thought Michelle Ryan did a sterling job in the sadly under-appreciated Bionic Woman. I share your reservations on Lee Evans. Personally, I am a big fan of his stand-up but I’ve been less convinced by his other work. Still, as you say, Catherine Tate confounded us all with her brilliant turn as the Doctor’s assistant, so who knows? (Pun not intended!) Looking forward to it!
February 4th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow