DOCTOR WHO: CLASSIC VILLAIN THE RANI RETURNS AS ARCHIE PANJABI JOINS CAST ALONGSIDE ANITA DOBSON FOR SERIES FINALE

This week’s journey to the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest took a shocking twist when Mrs Flood (Anita Dobson) bi-generated and revealed her true identity to be the Rani. Originally played by Kate O’Mara, the Rani is a Renegade Time Lord and enemy of the Doctor who first appeared back in the 1985 classic serial ‘The Mark of the Rani’. 

Now, alongside Anita Dobson, the Emmy Award-winning Archie Panjabi joins Doctor Who as the Rani, who has been hiding in secret as Mrs Flood and meticulously waiting for her time to face the Doctor.

Archie Panjabi and Anita Dobson will appear in the momentous two-part finale ‘Wish World’ and ‘The Reality War’, which will see the Doctor and the Rani go head-to-head in a monumental battle that will send shockwaves through the Whoniverse.

On joining Doctor Who, Archie Panjabi said: “It seems there’s been quite a bit of speculation about the Rani’s return…and who can blame you? Kate O’Mara’s portrayal was brilliant, ruthless and unforgettable. Now, under Russell T Davies, she’s back- and I’ll ask…what in the WHOniverse will we bring to her? Let’s just say, you might not be ready!”

Russell T Davies, Showrunner, said: “Ncuti always said he wanted to face the Rani, so after 32 years, she’s back! It’s an honour to work with Archie - I’ve been a fan for years, and what a joy, to see her twinned with Anita Dobson. It’s the greatest threat the Doctor has ever faced… and there are even more villains to come!”

Doctor Who continues with the first episode of the epic two-part finale, ‘Wish World’, on Saturday 24th May, launching exclusively on BBC iPlayer at 8am and Disney+ outside of the UK (where available).

 The season two finale of Doctor Who, ‘The Reality War’, will premiere simultaneously on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in a primetime evening slot on Saturday 31st May, and Disney+ outside of the UK (where available), as well as in over 450 cinemas across the UK & Ireland.

Archie Panjabi is known for her roles as Zahra Gahfoor in Hijack, Kendra Malley in Departure, and Kalinda Sharma in The Good Wife, for which she earned critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award. Her impressive career spans both film and television with roles in films including Bend It Like Beckham, Yasmin, and San Andreas.

Doctor Who continues Saturdays at 8am on BBC iPlayer.