Doctor Who legend Carole Ann Ford, the show’s first ever companion, has shared her hopes for her return after her storyline was left unfinished in the show’s recent run.
The BBC recently announced that this year’s Christmas special has been cancelled, with the show being put out to tender, and Russell T Davies stepping back from his role as showrunner.
It came after Ncuti Gatwa’s final season as the Fifteenth Doctor, which saw Ford return as companion Susan. During various episodes, a vision of Susan was seen calling out to the Doctor – but the reasons for this weren’t explained, and she never returned in the finale episode, The Reality War, which saw Gatwa’s Doctor regenerate into returning star Billie Piper.
Speaking exclusively to Radio Times about her hopes for the future of Doctor Who after the cancellation, Ford said: “I’m sure it will come back in all its glory!”
When asked about whether she hopes to return to finish her storyline, she added: “Too right! I’d love to come back!”
Elsewhere, she left a message for fans and departing showrunner Russell T Davies, going on to say: “I’m very grateful to all the fans, for their loyalty and support. And Russell – it was short and sweet, but thanks anyway!”
Ford first appeared as Susan in the very first Doctor Who serial, 1963’s An Unearthly Child. After years of fans calling for her return, she finally appeared again in The Interstellar Song Contest.
During an in-depth interview with Radio Times last year, the actress also opened up to Radio Times about reported changes made to the season 15 finale, saying: “I think enough people out there know by now that something extra was filmed and wasn’t shown.
“So yes, of course there were a couple more [scenes] which, because of some changes that had to be made, didn’t make sense once the changes have been made. So they obviously had to film something else that went with those changes.
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“[It’s a] shame though – I’d love to have done it, and the bit I did do, I really enjoy doing, and I love seeing it. I sort of looked as if I was floating in space. And you’ve still got to find me, grandfather! I’m waiting for that!”
In its recent statement about the show’s future, the BBC emphasised its commitment to Doctor Who, confirming that the beloved series will continue.
The statement reads: “As part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC’s Charter and Agreement requirements, the BBC will put Doctor Who out to competitive tender this year.
“Doctor Who remains an important part of the BBC and this tender underpins the BBC’s continued commitment to Doctor Who ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come.
“After careful consideration, the BBC, Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf have collectively decided not to go ahead with the previously announced Doctor Who Christmas episode.
“This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for fans, but in order to set the show up for future series, it was decided that rather than bridge the gap with a one off special, we are choosing to push forward to invest in the long-term future of the show which ensures that when the TARDIS lands once more, it does so in all its glory.
“The previously announced new Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies is currently in production. Details of the tender will be announced in due course.
“The BBC retains all IP in Doctor Who. BBC Studios will continue to lead the global distribution of Doctor Who as well as licensing, consumer products, digital and immersive experiences on behalf of the BBC.”
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