Classic Doctor Who companion star has “everything crossed” for spin-off
Sophie Aldred, who played Ace, the final companion of the classic Doctor Who era has said she has “everything crossed” that returning showrunner Russell T Davies will be in touch about a spin-off show in the future.
Aldred, who played Ace opposite Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor between 1987 and 1989, was starring in the show when it was cancelled in 1989, and then went off the air until the TV movie in 1996 with Paul McGann and then returned as a series again in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor.
She reprised her character of Ace briefly in The Power of the Doctor in October 2022, a special feature-length episode of the show that marked the centenary of the BBC and saw a number of old Doctors and companions come together. It was also the last episode of Chris Chibnall’s tenure as showrunner of Doctor Who having handed over to a returning Russell T Davies, and the last episode to star Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor.
And although Aldred has said she won’t be appearing in the 60th-anniversary specials in November 2023, with rumours of an expansion in the Doctor Who universe coming and spin-offs planned for the show, what does she think of the idea of an Ace spin-off?
“I mean, yes, come on!” Aldred told Express.co.uk.
Added the Ace star: “I think I’ve got everything crossed that Russell T Davies is thinking, ‘Oh yes.’ He’s playing his cards very close to his chest.”
And reflecting on her time on the sci-fi show and working with her co-star Sylvester McCoy, Aldred had nothing but praise:
“Working with Sylvester was an absolute dream.
“Obviously, we’ve worked together a lot in the intervening years and I’m pleased and forever thankful to call him one of my very best pals still.”
Doctor Who will return in November 2013 for three special episodes celebrating the 60th anniversary of the show and starring David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor. He will be accompanied by his returning companion Donna Noble, played by Catherine Tate.
Ncuti Gatwa will have his first episode as the Fifteenth Doctor around the festive period of 2023, and this will also be the first full episode for his new companion Ruby Sunday, played by former Coronation Street star Millie Gibson.
Doctor Who season 14 will play out after that during 2024 on BBC in the UK and Disney+ across the globe.
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