Importance Score: 32 / 100 🔵
Doctor Who Season 15: Eurovision-Inspired Episode Faces Scheduling Uncertainty
The upcoming season of Doctor Who promises a cosmic twist with a sensational sci-fi take on the Eurovision Song Contest. However, scheduling conflicts with both the live Eurovision broadcast and the FA Cup could disrupt the traditional Saturday evening slot for the popular BBC program. Ncuti Gatwa returns as the Fifteenth Doctor, while Millie Gibson‘s character, Ruby Sunday, is set to depart the TARDIS, paving the way for a new companion to join the Time Lord on his thrilling interstellar journeys.
Guest Stars and Potential Airdate Clash
Beyond the central cast changes, the Whoniverse will welcome a host of celebrated actors. Anita Dobson and Rose Ayling-Ellis are confirmed as guest stars, adding to the season’s star power. Rylan Clark, known from reality TV and presenting, is poised for a special appearance in an episode titled ‘The Interstellar Song Contest‘. This highly anticipated episode is currently slated for broadcast on Saturday, May 17th. However, this airdate is tentative and may be subject to change, particularly if the FA Cup final runs into extra time or penalty shootouts, potentially impacting the evening schedule.
Showrunner Russell T. Davies on Broadcast Challenges
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies has voiced concerns about the potential scheduling predicament. “The FA Cup is live on BBC One, followed by Eurovision in the evening. We are positioned in between,” he explained. He further elaborated on the broadcasting uncertainty, stating, “We are unsure if we will even be broadcast on that particular day. It will be available on iPlayer, but viewers might need to watch a football match to discover if Doctor Who will air that night.”
Despite the ambiguity, Davies expressed enthusiasm for the unpredictable situation. Recalling the discussions about rescheduling, he remarked, “They inquired if we wished to move it. However,” he added excitedly, “I responded, ‘That sounds incredibly exciting. Let’s keep it and see what happens!'”
Ncuti Gatwa Teases a New Doctor
Doctor Who‘s lead actor, Ncuti Gatwa, has hinted at a significant evolution for the iconic Time Lord that may surprise audiences. Gatwa suggested, “Viewers will observe a shift in The Doctor in an upcoming episode, a transformation already explored during the Christmas special.”
He further indicated the character’s complex and lengthy past, noting, “Having existed for centuries, he has accumulated a degree of anger.” Regarding the season’s primary antagonist, Gatwa assured, “The main threat this season is equally captivating.” He reiterated the point about the Doctor’s accumulated emotions, stating, “He’s lived for hundreds of years and has picked up some anger. But the big bad this season? That’s just as exciting.”
Varada Sethu Joins as Belinda in ‘The Robot Revolution’
Varada Sethu is set to make a significant impact on the Whoniverse, debuting as Belinda, a seemingly ordinary nurse. Belinda takes center stage in ‘The Robot Revolution‘, the season’s opening episode, where she is unexpectedly crowned queen by alien robots following her abduction. The newly christened planet MissBelindaChandra, named after her character, is plunged into turmoil with a fierce civil war between robots and humans.
A Journey Through Time and Space
As the Doctor embarks on a relentless quest to locate Belinda, who is caught in the planetary conflict, months elapse before their paths finally converge. Their reunion sparks an extensive journey through time and space, culminating in a surreal detour to 1950s Miami where they are humorously transformed into cartoon characters. Ncuti Gatwa reflected on this particular adventure: “In this scenario,” he shared, “he travels to a location on Earth that evokes a sense of home for him. It was truly beautiful.”
Ruby Sunday’s Life After the TARDIS
While Belinda’s storyline develops, former companion Ruby Sunday grapples with the consequences of departing the TARDIS. Her decision in the previous season to reconcile with her estranged mother initiated a new phase in her life. However, the challenge of returning to a normal existence is substantial, as she is still affected by her past adventures. Millie Gibson discussed her character’s inner struggles: “Ruby experiences PTSD from her various adventures,” she revealed.
“We witness Ruby’s interactions with her family, yet she continues to feel a sense of displacement.” The plot intensifies with the introduction of Jonah Hauer-King as Conrad Clark, a character poised to play a pivotal role in Ruby’s ongoing narrative. Alan Cumming also joins the ensemble cast, portraying the whimsical Mr Ring-a-Ding in episode two—a singing cartoon character from Sunny Town, accompanied by his friend Sunshine Sally.