Will there be The Penguin season 2? Latest news and speculation
*Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Penguin episode 8.* Although many fans of The Penguin are willing another season into existence, it appears we're no closer to knowing whether the HBO series will return for more. However, we do now know a few more parameters around the potential of a second season. For starters, showrunner Lauren LeFranc has said that we can't look ahead to The Penguin season 2 when we still don't have The Batman Part II. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, she said that the "intention of our first season always was, we’re launching Oz into the second film, and so we couldn’t air a second season until after Matt’s movie comes out". Similarly, chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max Content Casey Bloys told Deadline about a potential second season: “It’s definitely possible. Obviously, Matt has the film that he needs to work on. But there’s definitely a possibility. I think probably what’s most important in that world right now is getting the movie started, and I know they’re dealing with that now.” With the note that things ended on in season 1, series star Colin Farrell has previously admitted that it may be hard for his protagonist to come back from such a disturbing turn of events. Having murdered Vic (Rhenzy Feliz) in the finale, Farrell told The Hollywood Reporter: "I certainly think it makes [a second season] more difficult. [Killing Vic] is a very hard thing to claw back from. It’s not impossible, but it’s a tougher hill to climb." It's certainly a valid point to remember, but does that mean we could be seeing more of Cristin Milioti's Sofia instead? While nothing has yet been confirmed, Milioti remains excited about whatever shape her character's future takes, whether in another season of The Penguin, The Batman II or in her own spin-off series. Speaking to RadioTimes.com exclusively, Milioti said: "I'd play her for the rest of my life. I mean, I love that show, and I love those people. You know, it was like, across the board, 10 out of 10s. And I would love to be able to revisit it one day." But what else do we know about the potential for The Penguin to return for a season 2? Here's everything we know so far. Will there be The Penguin season 2? Currently, there's no confirmation as to whether there will be The Penguin season 2, but we wouldn't rule it out. Speaking to RadioTimes.com in 2024, actor Farrell said that, while the show was originally planned as a limited series, he would "absolutely" be up for more. He said: "It was only ever envisioned as an eight-hour limited series, but it's gone pretty well and I would imagine when things tend to go well, people tend to want to revisit them. "If they came up with an amazing way to do another eight hours, and if it fit in primarily to Matt Reeves's vision, because this whole show really had to work with being born of The Batman film and also being kind of a cartilage to the second film, which I haven't read yet... "Matt's the wizard of this whole universe. So Lauren LeFranc [showrunner] and her team of writers, myself, Mike Marino [makeup/prosthetic artist], when we were deciding that the Penguin would look the way he did, we all have to be in step with what Matt's vision is. "So if Matt wants to do a second season, for sure, I'd consider it, yeah. [But] by the end of this I'd had my fill! I know I was bitching about not having enough in the first film, but I'm good now. I've been at the table for long enough. It was amazing, but it's quite a thing." However, Farrell has been a bit more pessimistic about the possibility recently. Speaking to ComicBook, he said: “Oh, I don’t know. I have a bit of a, generally speaking, I have a bit of a negativity bias. Apparently, I’ve been told by various people close to me. So I would say I would bet against, but not by much.” He also said in an interview with Variety, when asked about a potential season 2: "I don’t want it, I don’t not want it. We all left it in the ring in those eight hours. I would hate to, just because of a quote-unquote success, have to go again and for it to be a diluted version of what people seem to feel it is, majoritively. "So I’m in no rush. I have no deep desire to do it. Sure, if they think of something that works in conjunction as a parallel to Matt Reeves’s cinematic universe and it’s a good idea, I’m open to it. But it’s not something concerning me." The priority for the universe of the TV series is with the upcoming second Batman movie, though, with HBO CEO Casey Bloys telling Variety: "The number one thing right now that Matt is dealing with is getting the movie going. I believe they’re making progress there. "I know that he and Lauren have talked about various ideas. So, could another chapter be in the future? Definitely possible. Right now, I think the priority for Matt is the movie. But I know that Lauren is thinking of various ideas that might work alongside the movie. I think it’s possible. I just don’t know at this point." Showrunner LeFranc has also opened up about the potential of a second season, saying that "there’s no current status update" regarding the future of the series. She told The Direct: "I mean, we put it all out on the table. I think that in order to do a second season, we have to feel like we can top ourselves. We have to feel like there's something more there to really dig into. "Gotham City is just such a fun sandbox to play, and I'd love to keep playing in it, but I think it just has to be the right thing. We should never do anything just to do it." In December 2024, Milioti told The Hollywood Reporter: "All I can say is that it is my wildest hope [to play Sofia Falcone again]. It’s my wildest hope, and I couldn’t be any clearer about making my desire known. But I haven’t heard anything concrete yet." At this point, it seems it's all up in the air - so watch this space! When could a potential The Penguin season 2 be released? If The Penguin does get renewed for a season 2, we'd expect a long wait ahead, perhaps for a release date in 2028. It's clearly just an idea at this point, and it would require as lengthy a production period as season 1 did. Showrunner LeFranc has spoken about the fact that if a second season of The Penguin was to go ahead, it wouldn't return before The Batman: Part II. LeFranc said that any new season wouldn't air until after Matt Reeves's film would come out. So, we could be waiting a while yet. Season 1 had a long road to release after all. Development was under way by September 2021 but, as many other productions did, its filming faced a delay due to the Hollywood labour disputes. Filming concluded in February 2024, with the show being released in October 2024. Who could be in the cast of a potential The Penguin season 2? We'd expect some of the cast of season 1 to return if the series is confirmed for season 2 – with some notable exceptions of people who didn't make it to the end. This is your last spoiler warning! Key cast members who could return include: Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb/Penguin Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone Theo Rossi as Julian Rush If Rossi does return, then don't expect him to take on the mantle of Batman villain the Scarecrow, as had been theorised by some fans - LeFranc has explicitly ruled that out. Of course, a fair few figures didn't make it to the end of season 1, most prominently Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar, who was killed by Oz in the season 1 finale. Michael Zegen's Alberto Falcone was also killed early on in the season. Episode 4 was an absolute blood bath, with Sofia Falcone killing much of her family in the gas spill. Plus, while Francis Cobb, Oz's mother, played by Deirdre O' Connell, made it to the end of the series alive, she was left in a vegetative state and permanently bedbound. In season 2, we could potentially see the appearance of: Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/The Batman Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman While Pattinson and Kravitz did not appear in season 1, the door has possibly been left open for their arrivals in season 2. What could the plot of a potential The Penguin season 2 be? Details are thin on the ground currently about what the plot of The Penguin could be, but we'd expect to pick up with Oz after he's won the city and has become its kingpin, following his rise through the ranks of Gotham's underworld. We'd also expect to follow Sofia Falcone as she meets her half-sister, Selina Kyle. The Penguin is available to watch on Sky and NOW. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
It: Welcome to Derry fans left stunned by "expertly handled", game-changing episode 5 reveal
*Warning: Major spoilers ahead for It: Welcome to Derry episode 5.* The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here, as Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise made his long awaited arrival into It: Welcome to Derry – and it did not disappoint. The terrifying creature has appeared in various other forms throughout the series, which is based on the Stephen King novel, manifesting as the children of Derry's worst nightmares, but finally took his Dancing Clown form in episode 5. Following the disappearance of Matty, our heroes have been haunted by horrors, but in the latest episode, they find their friend alive – or, so it seems. The group declare they want to stage a rescue for the other children held hostage by Pennywise, so Matty reluctantly leads them into the sewers – where it's revealed that Pennywise has been posing as the child all along. View oEmbed on the source website It was a big risk for the showrunners to hold back Skarsgård for this long, but the big reveal has been well worth the wait, as the Pennywise we know and hate finally puts in an appearance to terrorise the children of Derry face-to-face. Fans have had their say on the episode, with one posting on X: "It took five episodes, but the buildup and reveal of Pennywise was expertly handled. Again, I applaud the show's restraint in not plastering him everywhere, proving Welcome to Derry can stand on its own without leaning on Pennywise. #ITWelcomeToDerry" Another said the episode was amazing and "just the beginning", while one more said that the reveal was "chefs kiss" as the "show just keeps getting better and better". Another fan said: "It: Welcome to Derry has done a phenomenal job of building week by week to get to the return of everyone’s favourite dancing clown and they did not disappoint… PENNYWISE IS BACK!!" "Pennywise HAS ARRIVED! WOW. That’s how you make an entrance! This clown isn’t for kids, it will play with your fears & then eat you up! I love #WelcometoDerry!," one more added. Already, our heroes have come close to death in episode 5, with Leroy almost accidentally killing his own son. As for how much longer they can survive? Only time will tell. It: Welcome to Derry continues on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Mondays. Add It: Welcome to Derry to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who's early years explored in free Radio Times bookazine – download yours now
It's been 62 years since the Doctor and the TARDIS materialised on our screens in Doctor Who's first ever episode, and we've been hooked ever since. To celebrate Doctor Who Day on 23rd November, we here at Radio Times have been delving into our archive to bring fans an unparalleled collection of exclusive interviews, iconic photo shoots, and gems from the archive. The newly released bookazine, Doctor Who: The Early Years, focuses on the first few years of the beloved BBC sci-fi, with William Hartnell playing the First Doctor, and Patrick Troughton taking over after the momentous first regeneration. Inside, you can find archive interviews with the likes of Hartnell and Troughton, monster-maker Terry Nation, who created the iconic Daleks, and Radio Times photographer Don Smith, who was there to document the adventure. You can also get a glimpse into some of the best locations featured in the first seasons of Doctor Who. Doctor Who began on 23rd November 1963 with An Unearthly Child, starring Hartnell as the First Doctor, William Russell as Ian Chesterton, Jacqueline Hill as Barbara Wright, and Carole Ann Ford as Susan Foreman. Speaking to RadioTimes.com in 2023 to celebrate the show's 60th anniversary, Ford looked back on working with Hartnell, saying: "Bill used to say in the very beginning that it could go on forever. "Because there's no reason for it not to, because the Doctors can regenerate again and again and again, and they can go anywhere and do anything so it wouldn't get stale. "They could meet different people, go to different planets, different circumstances, there's no reason at all why it shouldn't stay fresh... there's no reason at all for it to end, it can just go on forever and ever." How right he was! You can download your free copy of Doctor Who: The Early Years bookazine now. Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times' Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Stranger Things creators reveal how they’re avoiding fate of terrible TV finales with "inevitable" season 5 ending
The Duffer brothers are all too aware that we as viewers have all been burnt by plenty of terrible TV finales before – and they've done everything in their power to avoid that fate with Stranger Things season 5. The final battle for Hawkins is nearly here, with Netflix's flagship sci-fi about to end after almost a decade, but the creators of the show have countless threads to tie up and characters to do justice in the space of eight episodes (albeit long ones!). Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, the Duffers revealed that they studied their favourite finales and tried to figure out what worked well, with Ross Duffer explaining: "We were looking mostly at the ones that were successful. "There are probably more whiffs and misses than there are people that have stuck the landing, because I think it's hard when you've been running for a long time – there are so many expectations. "But we looked at Six Feet Under, which is one of the great finales that I've ever seen. We looked at Breaking Bad, we looked at Friday Night Lights, so there was definitely a handful of them that we looked and studied. Not for the plot specifically, but just like, why did that work for us and other fans of those shows?" Matt Duffer added of the Stranger Things finale: "There's a sense of inevitability. When you're looking at shows that don't work, or the endings that don't work, it is when it feels like sometimes the shows are trying too hard to surprise fans or do something different. "So we want it to feel very much in line with the show and the endings for each of the characters to feel inevitable. That's what we're striving for." Every fan has got their theories about what's to come in the highly-anticipated final season, with speculation ranging from who might meet their demise, to whether certain characters might make a miraculous return (we're looking at you, Eddie Munson). For now, we've been dissecting the recent trailer and reading into the tidbits the actors have shared, with Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin, opening up about how Eddie's memory is kept alive in season 5, while Joe Keery teased the return of Jonathan and Steve's rivalry. Season 5 will also see a new character in the form of Linda Hamilton's Dr Kay. We're also expecting the youngest member of the Wheeler family, Holly, to have a bigger role as she's been recast, with Nell Fisher taking over this time around. The first five minutes of season 5 have also been released, showing what exactly happened to Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) when he went missing way back in season 1. In many ways, it seems like season 5 is about to bring us full circle as we return to the Upside Down one last time. Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who star defends Thirteen and Yaz's ending after heartbreaking romance
"Sometimes you don’t know what you’re feeling."
Doctor Who star Mandip Gill has opened up about the romance between her character Yasmin Khan and the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) as they reprise their characters for a new audio series. The actress, who's also currently starring in crime drama Cooper & Fry, has defended how the story ended on screen, with the pair not quite getting their happy ending. "I loved that we didn’t quite get there, because sometimes you don’t," Gill told Radio Times's Gareth McLean. "Sometimes you don’t know what you’re feeling, if it’s the first time you’re feeling it, and it’s not always easy to express or to understand what it is. And for Yaz, it was about figuring it out. And in these new dramas, we talk about it because in the three years since we saw Yaz and the Doctor together, they’ve been doing stuff and have matured a bit more. "So we discuss it and we go – it goes – further. On those Big Finish audios, the writers and the stories are so good and they’re not scared of going there. We do further that relationship that I know a lot of people were invested in and cared about. I know I did." As for reuniting with her pal Whittaker for the new audio dramas? "So good. You’ve gone back to characters you adore, you're working with these amazing people, and you're also having such a laugh," She said. "They don't need a budget for location and all that stuff so these stories can go anywhere – and you don’t need to learn your lines. And I get to spend 72 hours in a room together with one of my best friends!" Whittaker and Gill starred in Doctor Who together for three years, with the pair departing in The Power of the Doctor, after Yaz had admitted her romantic feelings for the Doctor. The Doctor made it clear that she reciprocated Yaz's feelings, but ruled out any romantic future for them. However, the pair's dynamic will continue in Big Finish's The Thirteenth Doctor Adventures – and who knows what could happen?! Mandip Gill features in this week's Radio Times magazine, which is out now. Doctor Who – The Thirteenth Doctor Adventures: The Return of the Doctor is out now. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Bonnie Langford: 'I wasn't proud of my work on Doctor Who – until I came back'
After years of facing brutal opinions, Bonnie Langford is having the last laugh.
Add Doctor Who to your watchlist Bonnie Langford begins our interview with an absolute power move. When she's quizzed about her first TV memories, she immediately asks: "Shows I watched, or shows I appeared on?" It's the sort of clarification only a born performer can make. As a toddler, Langford was at home in the theatre. At six, she made her first TV appearance on Opportunity Knocks with Hughie Green. At 12, she landed her breakout role in ITV's Just William. "I don't know that I ever [fell in love with performing], because I don't think I ever understood anything other than that," Langford tells RT. "My mum passed away recently and we were going through some of her boxes of things. I found a very old picture of me as a baby. I had a nappy on underneath a tutu, and I was kicking my leg and holding hands with my two sisters, who were looking after me. I think that represented what it meant to me – it was always a safe place for me. "I think that has always been why I've continued for so long, because I didn't want to lose that environment. What goes on around it can be pretty awful and sometimes that's quite challenging. But I didn't want to give up that safe place." It's nothing short of astonishing that Langford, now 61, still sees performing as a safe space considering how she was cruelly torn down in her younger years by the press, the public and even some of her peers. It's not hard to see the impact that still has on her, but also how she's classily risen above it. While she's painfully self-critical at times, she's also just as joyful, effervescent and funny as she's ever been. She's also booked and busy, fresh from reprising her role as Melanie Bush in Doctor Who and returning to the stage in Paddington The Musical. In short? She's having the last laugh. Langford never watched Doctor Who as a child ("It was too terrifying!") so her first real experience with it was when she ran into legendary producer John Nathan-Turner, who would later offer her the role of computer programmer Melanie Bush, alongside Colin Baker's and Sylvester McCoy's Sixth and Seventh Doctors. "I just went into the show very blindly," Langford admits. "I enjoyed it tremendously. I had a good time doing it. But, were I to take it on now, I would probably focus on it slightly differently. I had no idea of the impact. "It was interesting as well, because most of the time people who played the assistants, it was very early on in their careers, and certainly in their TV careers. So it was unusual to have a companion who had a profile. "But at that point, the show was going through a lot of difficulty. John adored it and was fighting for its survival, and I have a feeling that I was brought into it because I was getting a lot of column inches at that time with publicity, and he knew that it would have an impact on that side of it." Langford adds: "I have my views about my own performance in it... I was in a very different place in my life, but I was very earnest and very keen to do 100 per cent of my job, even if it didn't feel comfortable to me." Looking back, she's incredibly critical of her own performance, insisting she would have done "hundreds" of things differently, adding: "I was just far too perky, far too big a performance... I think it was far too bouncy. [Mel] was very irritating." In fairness, there were a lot of factors that contributed to Mel's characterisation. One was an outrageous character description that Langford was given when she was cast – and has recently rediscovered – that expressly described Mel as "irritating". Another was a cast and crew visit to Alton Towers that resulted in Nathan-Turner hearing Langford's impressive scream and including it in almost every episode. Unbeknownst to her at first, Langford also joined Doctor Who in the midst of quite the tricky patch, with her first appearance coming in 1986's The Trial of a Time Lord, when Baker's Sixth Doctor was tried by the High Council of Time Lords for breaking the laws of Gallifrey. "It was very serious, much more serious than I had expected," she recalls. "And I knew that I came into this difficult situation. Colin was fighting for the show as well as John, and there was a lot of angst, and a lot of notes." "He loved the show," Langford says of Baker. "He was very loyal to it, and so I think he was used as a scapegoat a bit. If you stick your head above the parapet, it can be quite a dark place to be. But he found that the show had not been treated well, and I think he was upset about that." Baker's exit came immediately after The Trial of a Time Lord, with the actor being replaced by McCoy, who Langford had previously worked with on stage. "It was almost like a fresh start for both of us," she recalled. But, after working on one more season, it was time for Langford to leave Doctor Who behind – or so she thought at the time. "It's very strange when you're in shows like this, because you agree to do something for a set amount of time, and then nobody says anything about whether that's going to go on. It's the nature of our business. We don't know whether things are going to continue forever or whether they're going to be cancelled," she points out. "These days, things get cancelled mid-scene. Somebody was telling me the other day that they were filming something in America and the suits walked on the set in the middle of a scene and said, 'That's it. We're not doing any more.' It's terrifying. Or you can be in something for years and years." As McCoy previously revealed in an interview with RT, it also took some convincing for Langford to actually get a proper exit scene. "Yeah, they hadn't really accommodated at the end of the series that there would be a leaving!" Langford recalls. "Sylv said, 'We need a better scene,' so they came up with this new scene. "I think I made it a bit schmaltzy, actually, myself, but it was fine. I would have done that differently now as well, but it was nice to at least have some kind of completion. But it did seem funny that she went off with Sabalom Glitz on a shopping ship!" "I agreed to do it for two years. I didn't expect to stay. I didn't feel very proud of what I was doing. I had another job to go to, and that was that," she recalls of her exit. Except, that wasn't quite that. In 2021, then-showrunner Chris Chibnall was planning The Power of the Doctor, Jodie Whittaker's final episode, which features a tear-jerking scene showing past companions meeting up to chat about their adventures. Naturally, he gave Langford a call – and she jumped at the chance. "At that point I thought, 'Well, I wonder what Mel would be,'" she reflects. "A lot calmer. A lot calmer, and much more into her computers, yet very discreet about the work that she does. "She had such a loyalty to the Doctor. It was really great that I had been able to still be in touch with [Mel], to think, 'I wonder where she's been and what she's done, and how she has kept her connection with the Doctor.' So then when I came to do it in the new TV series, it felt really comfortable to be with her." With Russell T Davies returning to Doctor Who for the 60th anniversary series and Ncuti Gatwa's run, he also invited Langford back, first to take part in the specials and then as a regular for seasons 14 and 15. Now, Langford says, it was time to do right by Mel. "I'm really honoured that he thought Mel was worth bringing back, and that she got totally and utterly involved with the bi-generation," she reflects. "It was a thrill. I was very taken with the fact that I was able to correct all those mistakes that I felt I had made first time round and, for Mel's sake, that she was able to return as a much more rounded character with vulnerabilities." Langford adds: "One of the things I loved about coming back as Mel as well was being in a different place for myself in my own life. When I first went into the show, everything had to be nice, it had to be pretty, it had to be nice outfits and looking good and all that sort of thing. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/06/Ncuti-Gatwa-Bonnie-Langford-e356f9b.jpg" width="4285" height="2857" alt="Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Bonnie Langford as Mel Bush in Doctor Who's Empire of Death. They're sat on an orange Vespa and are wearing white helmets, looking worried at something off camera." title="Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Bonnie Langford as Mel Bush in Doctor Who's Empire of Death." /> "When I came back and Russell wrote [Empire of Death], where I had to have all the prosthetics on, if that had been first-time Mel, I would have balked at that... I was just so pleased that Mel had that whole storyline of her realising that she was being taken over by Sutekh and trying to fight it, and then the scene before, where she was trying to communicate as much of herself as possible to the Doctor. "I loved all that, and I would never have embraced that in the '80s. I was really grateful for that opportunity to turn her around, and also to have turned myself around as an actor, to have embraced something like that." Now, fans are looking to the future after The Reality War, Ncuti Gatwa's final episode, which saw the departing Doctor regenerate into returning star Billie Piper in a shock twist. "It was quite different to how we had filmed it," Langford explains. "We'd filmed it the year before, and I had to pop back and do some extra filming, which I couldn't do with everybody else, which I was really disappointed about. I was in America at the time, and but I was really, really grateful that they included Mel being busy somewhere else." "Ncuti is a darling," she adds. "He has such charisma. He walks onto a set and there is joy and laughter and presence. He's such a sweetheart, and he had a lot on his plate. It was very intensive. "We had a long time to shoot, and it was very technical, a lot of it, but we would laugh a lot. I don't think he had any idea what he was letting himself in for. Nobody does, particularly these days, when there's such a lot riding on it. "It comes with such a history and a legacy, and that can be a burden as well as a joy. There has to be that element of eccentricity, of genius mind, which also has a darkness... I think it's a wonderful job to take on, but it comes with a certain amount of responsibility and irresponsibility to be able to wear that cloak." Next up, Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw will lead the six-episode spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea, with various returning Doctor Who stars already being confirmed to appear. When asked if she'll be making an appearance, Langford refuses to answer, saying: "I can't tell you. I can't tell you anything. I'm sworn to secrecy on everything." Looking back at her career so far, Langford ultimately seems very grateful – for the experiences she's had, and the people she shared them with. Thinking back to her early days on stage, she recalls her bond with the late Dame Angela Lansbury, who she performed with on Broadway, in the 1974 revival of Gypsy. "She had a great impact on me, on how to behave, and I would look up to her and emulate her. She was a very genuine, wonderful actress, but also a wonderful human being, and that had a very, very important impact on me," Langford recalls. She hasn't forgotten the tough times – but is conscious actors nowadays might have it even tougher: "I'm quite glad that I wasn't part of what is now social media immediacy and the way that people can communicate with you very quickly and, sometimes, being in that veil of anonymity, can say things that can be very hurtful. "I felt that I had a certain amount of protection. Funny enough, seeing boxes of publicity from my mother's collection, it was quite a tough transition [from child star to adult actress]. It was quite a tough world, and I think I chose to ignore a lot of it. But I loved doing what I did. I loved the job, and that kept me going." As for any words of advice for actresses – particularly Doctor Who companions – who might follow in her footsteps? Rather aptly, Langford's words are simply a perfect mantra for life in general. "Embrace it, enjoy it and find your version. There is no right or wrong."
Classic Doctor Who legends set to reunite for exciting new project
Doctor Who legends are set to reunite for Sophie Aldred's exciting new sci-fi project.
Doctor Who star Sophie Aldred has announced the launch of her new podcast, which is set to reunite various classic and modern Who legends. The podcast, titled Ace Odyssey, will see Aldred take "a weekly dive into fandom, creativity, and the people who make pop culture extraordinary". The actress will welcome guests from across the Whoniverse to join her, with the line-up including: Sylvester McCoy, Katy Manning, Susan Twist, Janet Fielding, Sally Knyvette, Nicholas Briggs and David Banks. Launching on 23rd November at 5:15pm (to coincide with the anniversary of Doctor Who's first ever episode airing), the podcast will first feature the Seventh Doctor himself, McCoy, with new episodes dropping every Sunday. Aldred said of the new venture: "I am thrilled to be bringing something a bit different to the world of Science Fiction fandom and podcasting. "I’ve always found it incredible the difference Doctor Who in particular has made to so many people in their careers and in their lives and I’m looking forward to bringing many moving and inspirational stories to our listeners.” View oEmbed on the source website Aldred starred as Ace from 1987 to 1989, and was the final companion in the classic series. Previously looking back on her time as Ace with RadioTimes.com, Aldred declared it a "privilege" to have played the character – especially considering how groundbreaking she was for female representation in the show, and in sci-fi in general. "There wasn't a part like that on TV at the time, there just wasn't female representation in a popular show, and so many people have been inspired by the character of Ace, not least, I think, the modern companions," she explained. "When you look back, there was no Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Young women just used to kind of have small parts or be girl friends. It was a very, very unusual thing. "And I think we have the script editor Andrew Cartmel to thank for [changing] that. And the writers, obviously, the new writers he was using, because he'd come from the comic book culture where women were represented, weirdly, in a more realistic way, in a kind of a funny way – maybe not visually, but sort of temperamentally and emotionally. "So, I think I'm just so privileged to have played that part." Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who legend Tom Baker reunites with beloved classic companion in sweet unseen photo
Louise Jameson supported her former co-star as he received his MBE.
Doctor Who legend Tom Baker aptly took a trip back in time as he received his MBE last week, not only donning his iconic Fourth Doctor costume, but also reuniting with his former co-star, Louise Jameson. The actor was surrounded by a close-knit group of loved ones as he received the honour and among them was Jameson, who starred as Leela alongside Baker's Fourth Doctor from 1977 to 1978. In a sweet photo from the day, Baker can be seen holding Jameson's hand, as the pair posed with His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain (who presented Baker with his MBE) alongside a TARDIS replica. Draped in a long red scarf (which he switched out at one point for his signature striped one), Baker can be seen with his MBE pinned to his lapel. Reflecting on the honour – and his time in the TARDIS – Baker exclusively told RadioTimes.com: “It was a real honour to receive the MBE from Lady Colgrain, representing His Majesty, in the same way as it was a real honour for me to play Doctor Who for all those years. "It never ceases to amaze me how fondly people remember me 34 years after my last adventure in the TARDIS and I found it hard to believe it was so long ago when I found myself back in the TARDIS last week, with my beloved scarf around my neck!” Jameson's character Leela travelled in the TARDIS alongside Baker's Fourth Doctor in nine stories (40 episodes) between January 1977 and March 1978. Jameson has since opened up about her exit in The Invasion in Time that saw her sudden decision to remain on the Time Lord home planet of Gallifrey and marry Andred (Christopher Tranchell), Commander of the Chancellery Guard – which proved divisive amongst fans to say the least. Speaking last year at a BFI event about how she would have changed that ending, she said: "I think she should have died saving the Doctor's life – something really heroic. Or you travel forward and she's got a football team of children... something dramatic, anyway. I mean, it's so cliché, isn't it, that she's fallen in love, that's how we get rid of her." Baker and Jameson have continued to work together after their departures from Doctor Who, with the duo collaborating on Big Finish audio dramas. Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Game of Thrones spin-offs House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms get futures confirmed by HBO
Get ready to return to Westeros once again, because HBO has confirmed that two Game of Thrones spin-offs will be returning for another season. HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys has officially announced that House of the Dragon has been renewed for season 4, while A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has been renewed for season 2, before it's even premiered. Bloys stopped short of confirming whether or not season 4 will be the final instalment for Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, explaining that decision is down to showrunner Ryan Condal (who has previously said he plans for the show to end with season 4). “For all of [our] shows, we generally try to leave it to the creators to make that decision. We’ll work with them. Sometimes, people will work through the season to feel like, ‘Does it feel like a natural end? Does it not?’ So, I don’t have updates for you on any of that. But when we do, I’ll let you know," Bloys explained. Starring Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke and Matt Smith, House of the Dragon follows the Targaryen dynasty, about 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Season 3 recently wrapped filming, and is set for release in summer 2026. Meanwhile, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which looks set to be a lighter offering from the world of Westeros if the recent trailer is anything to go by, is set a little later – about 100 years before Game Of Thrones – and follows the adventures of hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire Aegon Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). It seems Game of Thrones author George RR Martin is a little more on board with how A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has been adapted, following his complaints about House of the Dragon. He previously said on his blog that the spin-off is “as faithful an adaptation as a reasonable man could hope for". "I’ve seen all six episodes now (the last two in rough cuts, admittedly), and I loved them," he wrote. "Dunk and Egg have always been favourites of mine, and the actors we found to portray them are just incredible. The rest of the cast are terrific as well. Wait until you guys meet the Laughing Storm and Tanselle Too-Tall. He continued: "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is an adaptation of The Hedge Knight, the first of the novellas I wrote about them. It’s as faithful as adaptation as a reasonable man could hope for (and you all know how incredibly reasonable I am on that particular subject)." Meanwhile, various other Thrones spin-offs are also in development, so fans won't be left wanting. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will be released in January on Sky and NOW. House of the Dragon season 3 will be released in summer 2026 on Sky and NOW. If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Walking Dead icon Norman Reedus says emotional goodbye to Daryl Dixon role after 15 years
After 15 years, Norman Reedus is officially laying down his crossbow and saying goodbye to The Walking Dead and, more importantly, his beloved character Daryl. The actor, who became a fan favourite in the original series of the sci-fi phenomenon, shared a message on social media to mark his last day filming the final season of spin-off show Daryl Dixon. "Last filming day today for [Daryl Dixon]," he wrote on X. "It’s been such a joy for me to play this guy with all of u for this long. I feel really blessed. Truly. Thank you all really from my heart." Daryl first appeared in the third episode of The Walking Dead, and soon captured fans' hearts and imaginations as he transformed from a selfish loner to a crucial member of the core group, becoming a character pretty much built into the DNA of the show. When the original series ended in 2022, the Walking Dead franchise continued in the form of multiple spin-offs, with Daryl being washed up in France in the first two seasons of his show, before heading to Spain, and attempting to find his way home. Season 2 also saw Daryl reunite with Melissa McBride's Carol, reforming one of the most iconic and well-loved partnerships in the show. It was announced earlier this year that Daryl Dixon would end with season 4. View oEmbed on the source website In a statement at the time, Reedus said: "Daryl Dixon has been an incredible journey. I thank each and every fan who has joined us on this ride. It's been a privilege to build this story for these characters, and we have so much gratitude for how it's been embraced. "Your love and support have made every moment worth it. This finale isn't just an ending; it's a celebration of what we've all shared together. Keep carrying that love forward – Daryl's journey is far from over." The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is available on Sky Max and NOW. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Iconic '90s sci-fi confirmed for "extraordinary" revival with new series on Prime Video
Iconic sci-fi franchise Stargate is officially returning to screens, with an "extraordinary" revival series coming to Prime Video. A new series based on the franchise, which was first brought to life in the 1994 movie, has been greenlit by Amazon MGM Studios. The Stargate franchise centres on the titular device, which is able to create a stable wormhole and allows near-instantaneous travel around the cosmos. The new series is being developed by Stargate veteran, Martin Gero, who will serve as creator, writer, executive producer and showrunner. He said: "Twenty years ago, my first real job in television was as a Story Editor on Stargate: Atlantis. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/GettyImages-153945003-66aceb0-e1763574157821.jpg" width="2288" height="1530" alt="Stargate Atlantis cast: Joe Flanigan as Lt. Col. John Sheppard, Jewel Staite as Dr. Jennifer Keller, Robert Picardo as Richard Woolsey, Jason Momoa as Ronan Dex, Rachel Luttrell as Teyla Emmagan, David Hewlett as Dr. Rodney McKay" title="Stargate Atlantis cast: Joe Flanigan as Lt. Col. John Sheppard, Jewel Staite as Dr. Jennifer Keller, Robert Picardo as Richard Woolsey, Jason Momoa as Ronan Dex, Rachel Luttrell as Teyla Emmagan, David Hewlett as Dr. Rodney McKay" /> "I spent five years at the franchise working across all three series, Stargate taught me everything about making television – it’s written into my DNA." He added: "I’m beyond thrilled that Amazon MGM Studios has entrusted me with guiding this incredible franchise into its next phase. "For those who’ve kept the gate active through conventions, rewatches, and unwavering faith — this one’s for you. And for those that are new to our world – I promise you’re in for something extraordinary.” In what's sure to be good news for die-hard fans, Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich, who were behind the 1994 Stargate movie, are on board as executive producers. Brad Wright and Joe Mallozzi will also serve as consulting producers. For fans wanting to catch up in the meantime, you'll first need to watch the original Stargate movie, followed by the TV series Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Stargate Universe. The cosmos awaits! Read more: How to watch Stargate in order Add Stargate to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who legend Tom Baker, 91, reflects on time in TARDIS after receiving MBE: "It was a real honour"
"It never ceases to amaze me how fondly people remember me 34 years after my last adventure in the TARDIS."
Doctor Who legend Tom Baker has reflected on his MBE investiture last week, which saw him don his iconic Fourth Doctor costume once again. The actor, who played the Doctor from 1974 to 1981, was honoured with an MBE for services to television, with photos showing him posing alongside a TARDIS, with a Dalek and robot pup K9 in tow. Reflecting on the honour and his time in the TARDIS, Baker told RadioTimes.com: “It was a real honour to receive the MBE from Lady Colgrain, representing His Majesty, in the same way as it was a real honour for me to play Doctor Who for all those years. "It never ceases to amaze me how fondly people remember me 34 years after my last adventure in the TARDIS and I found it hard to believe it was so long ago when I found myself back in the TARDIS last week, with my beloved scarf around my neck!” It was announced last year that Baker would be honoured with an MBE, following his well-loved run as the Fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981, which is still classed as a golden age of the show. Baker, who will turn 92 in January, previously spoke to Radio Times in 2023 to celebrate Doctor Who's 60th anniversary. When asked about any advice for Ncuti Gatwa, who played the most recent incarnation of the Doctor, he said: "Knowing anything is a bit dangerous when you play Doctor Who. It’s better to know nothing. And to be good-natured. "The trick is to respond generously to other actors, which halves your task because you don’t have to be driving it all the time." As for any reunions with his fellow Doctors? "I avoid them, you know. Not with any malice. A degree of contempt, perhaps. But mildly. Mildly contemptuous." He added: "Nobody failed as Doctor Who, did they? Well, we mustn’t be ungenerous to anyone. But certainly I didn’t." Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times' Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Bonnie Langford: "I wasn't proud of my work on Doctor Who - until I came back"
Bonnie Langford begins our interview with an absolute power move. When she's quizzed about her first TV memories, she immediately asks: "Shows I watched, or shows I appeared on?" It's the sort of clarification only a born performer can make. As a toddler, Langford was at home in the theatre. At six, she made her first TV appearance on Opportunity Knocks with Hughie Green. At 12, she landed her breakout role in ITV's Just William. "I don't know that I ever [fell in love with performing], because I don't think I ever understood anything other than that," Langford tells Radio Times. "My mum passed away recently and we were going through some of her boxes of things. I found a very old picture of me as a baby. I had a nappy on underneath a tutu, and I was kicking my leg and holding hands with my two sisters, who were looking after me. I think that represented what it meant to me – it was always a safe place for me. "I think that has always been why I've continued for so long, because I didn't want to lose that environment. What goes on around it can be pretty awful and sometimes that's quite challenging. But I didn't want to give up that safe place." It's nothing short of astonishing that Langford, now 61, still sees performing as a safe space considering how she was cruelly torn down in her younger years by the press, the public and even some of her peers. It's not hard to see the impact that still has on her, but also how she's classily risen above it. While she's painfully self-critical at times, she's also just as joyful, effervescent and funny as she's ever been. She's also booked and busy, fresh from reprising her role as Melanie Bush in Doctor Who and returning to the stage in Paddington The Musical. In short? She's having the last laugh. Langford never watched Doctor Who as a child ("It was too terrifying!") so her first real experience with it was when she ran into legendary producer John Nathan-Turner, who would later offer her the role of computer programmer Melanie Bush, alongside Colin Baker's and Sylvester McCoy's Sixth and Seventh Doctors. "I just went into the show very blindly," Langford admits. "I enjoyed it tremendously. I had a good time doing it. But, were I to take it on now, I would probably focus on it slightly differently. I had no idea of the impact. "It was interesting as well, because most of the time people who played the assistants, it was very early on in their careers, and certainly in their TV careers. So it was unusual to have a companion who had a profile. "But at that point, the show was going through a lot of difficulty. John adored it and was fighting for its survival, and I have a feeling that I was brought into it because I was getting a lot of column inches at that time with publicity, and he knew that it would have an impact on that side of it." Langford adds: "I have my views about my own performance in it... I was in a very different place in my life, but I was very earnest and very keen to do 100 per cent of my job, even if it didn't feel comfortable to me." Looking back, she's incredibly critical of her own performance, insisting she would have done "hundreds" of things differently, adding: "I was just far too perky, far too big a performance... I think it was far too bouncy. [Mel] was very irritating." In fairness, there were a lot of factors that contributed to Mel's characterisation. One was an outrageous character description that Langford was given when she was cast – and has recently rediscovered – that expressly described Mel as "irritating". Another was a cast and crew visit to Alton Towers that resulted in Nathan-Turner hearing Langford's impressive scream and including it in almost every episode. Unbeknownst to her at first, Langford also joined Doctor Who in the midst of quite the tricky patch, with her first appearance coming in 1986's The Trial of a Time Lord, when Baker's Sixth Doctor was tried by the High Council of Time Lords for breaking the laws of Gallifrey. "It was very serious, much more serious than I had expected," she recalls. "And I knew that I came into this difficult situation. Colin was fighting for the show as well as John, and there was a lot of angst, and a lot of notes." "He loved the show," Langford says of Baker. "He was very loyal to it, and so I think he was used as a scapegoat a bit. If you stick your head above the parapet, it can be quite a dark place to be. But he found that the show had not been treated well, and I think he was upset about that." Baker's exit came immediately after The Trial of a Time Lord, with the actor being replaced by McCoy, who Langford had previously worked with on stage. "It was almost like a fresh start for both of us," she recalled. But, after working on one more season, it was time for Langford to leave Doctor Who behind – or so she thought at the time. "It's very strange when you're in shows like this, because you agree to do something for a set amount of time, and then nobody says anything about whether that's going to go on. It's the nature of our business. We don't know whether things are going to continue forever or whether they're going to be cancelled," she points out. "These days, things get cancelled mid-scene. Somebody was telling me the other day that they were filming something in America and the suits walked on the set in the middle of a scene and said, 'That's it. We're not doing any more.' It's terrifying. Or you can be in something for years and years." As McCoy previously revealed in an interview with Radio Times, it also took some convincing for Langford to actually get a proper exit scene. "Yeah, they hadn't really accommodated at the end of the series that there would be a leaving!" Langford recalls. "Sylv said, 'We need a better scene,' so they came up with this new scene. "I think I made it a bit schmaltzy, actually, myself, but it was fine. I would have done that differently now as well, but it was nice to at least have some kind of completion. But it did seem funny that she went off with Sabalom Glitz on a shopping ship!" "I agreed to do it for two years. I didn't expect to stay. I didn't feel very proud of what I was doing. I had another job to go to, and that was that," she recalls of her exit. Except, that wasn't quite that. In 2021, then-showrunner Chris Chibnall was planning The Power of the Doctor, Jodie Whittaker's final episode, which features a tear-jerking scene showing past companions meeting up to chat about their adventures. Naturally, he gave Langford a call – and she jumped at the chance. "At that point I thought, 'Well, I wonder what Mel would be,'" she reflects. "A lot calmer. A lot calmer, and much more into her computers, yet very discreet about the work that she does. "She had such a loyalty to the Doctor. It was really great that I had been able to still be in touch with [Mel], to think, 'I wonder where she's been and what she's done, and how she has kept her connection with the Doctor.' So then when I came to do it in the new TV series, it felt really comfortable to be with her." With Russell T Davies returning to Doctor Who for the 60th anniversary series and Ncuti Gatwa's run, he also invited Langford back, first to take part in the specials and then as a regular for seasons 14 and 15. Now, Langford says, it was time to do right by Mel. "I'm really honoured that he thought Mel was worth bringing back, and that she got totally and utterly involved with the bi-generation," she reflects. "It was a thrill. I was very taken with the fact that I was able to correct all those mistakes that I felt I had made first time round and, for Mel's sake, that she was able to return as a much more rounded character with vulnerabilities." Langford adds: "One of the things I loved about coming back as Mel as well was being in a different place for myself in my own life. When I first went into the show, everything had to be nice, it had to be pretty, it had to be nice outfits and looking good and all that sort of thing. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/06/Ncuti-Gatwa-Bonnie-Langford-e356f9b.jpg" width="4285" height="2857" alt="Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Bonnie Langford as Mel Bush in Doctor Who's Empire of Death. They're sat on an orange Vespa and are wearing white helmets, looking worried at something off camera." title="Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Bonnie Langford as Mel Bush in Doctor Who's Empire of Death." /> "When I came back and Russell wrote [Empire of Death], where I had to have all the prosthetics on, if that had been first-time Mel, I would have balked at that... I was just so pleased that Mel had that whole storyline of her realising that she was being taken over by Sutekh and trying to fight it, and then the scene before, where she was trying to communicate as much of herself as possible to the Doctor. "I loved all that, and I would never have embraced that in the '80s. I was really grateful for that opportunity to turn her around, and also to have turned myself around as an actor, to have embraced something like that." Now, fans are looking to the future after The Reality War, Ncuti Gatwa's final episode, which saw the departing Doctor regenerate into returning star Billie Piper in a shock twist. "It was quite different to how we had filmed it," Langford explains. "We'd filmed it the year before, and I had to pop back and do some extra filming, which I couldn't do with everybody else, which I was really disappointed about. I was in America at the time, and but I was really, really grateful that they included Mel being busy somewhere else." "Ncuti is a darling," she adds. "He has such charisma. He walks onto a set and there is joy and laughter and presence. He's such a sweetheart, and he had a lot on his plate. It was very intensive. "We had a long time to shoot, and it was very technical, a lot of it, but we would laugh a lot. I don't think he had any idea what he was letting himself in for. Nobody does, particularly these days, when there's such a lot riding on it. "It comes with such a history and a legacy, and that can be a burden as well as a joy. There has to be that element of eccentricity, of genius mind, which also has a darkness... I think it's a wonderful job to take on, but it comes with a certain amount of responsibility and irresponsibility to be able to wear that cloak." Next up, Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw will lead the six-episode spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea, with various returning Doctor Who stars already being confirmed to appear. When asked if she'll be making an appearance, Langford refuses to answer, saying: "I can't tell you. I can't tell you anything. I'm sworn to secrecy on everything." Looking back at her career so far, Langford ultimately seems very grateful – for the experiences she's had, and the people she shared them with. Thinking back to her early days on stage, she recalls her bond with the late Dame Angela Lansbury, who she performed with on Broadway, in the 1974 revival of Gypsy. "She had a great impact on me, on how to behave, and I would look up to her and emulate her. She was a very genuine, wonderful actress, but also a wonderful human being, and that had a very, very important impact on me," Langford recalls. She hasn't forgotten the tough times – but is conscious actors nowadays might have it even tougher: "I'm quite glad that I wasn't part of what is now social media immediacy and the way that people can communicate with you very quickly and, sometimes, being in that veil of anonymity, can say things that can be very hurtful. "I felt that I had a certain amount of protection. Funny enough, seeing boxes of publicity from my mother's collection, it was quite a tough transition [from child star to adult actress]. It was quite a tough world, and I think I chose to ignore a lot of it. But I loved doing what I did. I loved the job, and that kept me going." As for any words of advice for actresses – particularly Doctor Who companions – who might follow in her footsteps? Rather aptly, Langford's words are simply a perfect mantra for life in general. "Embrace it, enjoy it and find your version. There is no right or wrong." Radio Times' Doctor Who Insiders continues next month – register now to make sure you don't miss a thing. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Add Doctor Who to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" class="x_OWAAutoLink" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Russell T Davies wants to "show the BBC" the Doctor Who universe's potential with new spin-off
It's the Whoniverse's first spin-off in years.
As spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea nears, Russell T Davies has explained he wants to show off what the Doctor Who universe is capable of to the BBC. It's a crucial time for Doctor Who, with it recently being announced that the BBC's deal with Disney is no more. While the Doctor won't be back on our screens until Christmas 2026, The War Between is this year's festive offering. Showrunner Davies has given fans a tease about what to expect, telling Empire: "I wanted to show the BBC what this universe is capable of. And the potential that it has, and the punch that it can deliver. "It’s very 2025 in its bones. We even deal with the water companies and their profiteering bosses laughing in our faces. In a series about the water you have to!” The War Between the Land and the Sea will follow everyman Barclay (played by Russell Tovey) as he's drawn into attempting to prevent a major conflict involving the classic 1972 monsters the Sea Devils (although, according to Davies, we should no longer be calling them by that name!). The five-part series, which will begin airing on 7th December, will see him meet Gugu Mbatha-Raw's Salt, with the pair forming an unexpected connection. Davies previously opened up to Radio Times about how the series is set to tackle the climate crisis, explaining: "I think every writer in the world is thinking, how do you write about the climate crisis? We’re already in a climate war. This just dramatises it. View oEmbed on the source website "When they first approached me about coming back to Doctor Who in 2021, this was the first bit of my pitch," he added. "I had this idea separately first. "But weirdly, it needs the Doctor Who setting. If I just go and pitch this cold, saying, ‘There is a race of creatures that live in the sea…' They’d say, 'Really? You sure?' The pre-existence of the Sea Devils takes all the problems out of it." Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times' Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Stranger Things season 5 release schedule and runtimes: When are new episodes out?
It's almost time for Stranger Things season 5 – and fans really have been waiting a long time for this moment. The final season, which is arriving three and a half years after season 4, will be released in multiple different batches, and fans have already got a sense of how it will kick off, as the first five minutes have officially been unveiled. The sequence takes viewers right back to the beginning of the series, to show us what happened to poor Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) when he went missing all those years ago. The actors are also sharing tidbits about what's set to come, with Gaten Matarazzo telling RadioTimes.com about how Eddie Munson's (Joseph Quinn) impact will still be felt in season 5, and Joe Keery opening up about Steve and Jonathan's big rivalry this season. However, what this, and the season's most recent trailer, don't tell us, is how long the new episodes are – a big question, given that season 4's episodes ranged from just over an hour to two and a half hours. So as fans get stuck into questions about which characters might meet their demises before the series bows out, we thought we'd take a look at the basics – what is the release schedule, what are episode titles and how long are each of the instalments. Here's everything you need to know about the Stranger Things season 5 release schedule. Stranger Things season 5 release schedule Stranger Things season 5 will be released in three parts. Volume 1 is coming on 26th November, Volume 2 will arrive on 25th December, and the finale will be here on 31st December. That means the release schedule is as follows: Volume 1 Chapter One: The Crawl - 26th November Chapter Two: The Vanishing of... - 26th November Chapter Three: The Turnbow Trap - 26th November Chapter Four: Sorcerer - 26th November Volume 2 Chapter Five: Shock Jock - 25th December Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz - 25th December Chapter Seven: The Bridge - 25th December The finale Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up - 31st December It's worth noting that Chapter Two's full title hasn't been released – but fans are convinced it's The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler, with the youngest member of Mike's family being recast for season 5, indicating that she'll have a bigger role this time around. What are the Stranger Things season 5 runtimes? The Duffer Brothers recently revealed the runtimes for volume 1. We don't have the official runtimes for volume 2 just yet, but we do have a clue about how long the finale will be. Safe to say, the original theories about the finale being three hours long were not correct! Here's what we're looking at so far: Chapter One: The Crawl - 1 hour and 8 minutes Chapter Two: The Vanishing of... - 54 minutes Chapter Three: The Turnbow Trap - 1 hour and 6 minutes Chapter Four: Sorcerer - 1 hour and 23 minutes Chapter Five: Shock Jock - TBC Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz - TBC Chapter Seven: The Bridge - TBC Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up - about two hours Stranger Things season 5 release time Usually, Netflix releases arrive at 8am UK time, but Stranger Things season 5 will buck this trend, with episodes dropping at 1am GMT. Here's what time that works out to some time zones around the world: 2am CET (Central Europe) 10am JST (Japan) 5pm PST (United States) 8pm EST (United States) 12pm AEDT (Australia) Netflix also has a comprehensive list of when the episodes will be released depending on which country you're in. Buckle in – it's almost time to return to the Upside Down. Stranger Things 5 part 1 premieres on Netflix on Wednesday 26th November 2025. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Stranger Things star Joe Keery teases season 5’s Steve and Jonathan rivalry: “We’re fighting!”
Things aren't smooth sailing between Steve and Jonathan this season.
For the first time since Stranger Things season 1, Joe Keery's Steve Harrington and Charlie Heaton's Jonathan Byers have been thrown together in season 5 - and it's about to cause chaos. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com about the dynamic between the pair this time around, Keery and Natalia Dyer, who plays Nancy Wheeler, opened up about how things are getting a little competitive. "Yeah, there is a little something going on with these guys," Dyer admitted. "We find everyone's thrown together, working together really closely, or more closely than other seasons, and therefore these two are also thrown together." "We're fighting!" Keery added. "It's really fun to work together because we haven't worked together since season 1." Keery also opened up about the much-loved dynamic between Steve and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), which is also very different this time, with Dustin left in a darker mindset following the death of Joseph Quinn's Eddie Munson. "I think it's a cool what they've done with the characters here," he explained. "You always hope, when you're playing a role, that there's some sort of arc involved. And I feel like this season really starts in a different place. Gaten's character is mourning the death of this important figure his life, Eddie, and it kind of puts Steve in this... he's kind of this protector character and is looking out for him. "It sort of puts him in a self-righteous position, almost where he feels like he knows what [Dustin] should be doing with how he feels. But that's not really the way that you can support somebody. "Sometimes you just have to be a shoulder for them. It takes him on a different path this year, and I think, although it is a little bit more tumultuous, maybe they end up in a better place for it." Stranger Things season 5 will see our heroes face the final battle for Hawkins, with Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) having mysteriously disappeared and Hawkins under military quarantine. The Duffer Brothers have confirmed that all the answers we've been waiting for are coming our way - so buckle in! Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who’s Bonnie Langford wants trailblazing companion to return again after mysterious comeback
Bonnie Langford has spoken for the fans!
Doctor Who legend Bonnie Langford has shared her hopes that Carole Ann Ford will return as iconic companion Susan Foreman. Ford reprised her role as Susan, the first ever companion on the show, in the latest season of Doctor Who, but with just a few brief appearances, many fans felt her arc in the show seemed unfinished. Langford, who also reprised her role as Melanie Bush, gave her take on Ford's return during an in-depth interview, telling RadioTimes.com: "A lot of these things are left like a tease, aren't they? They drop a little carrot, and you go, 'Where are we going with this?' And sometimes it doesn't go anywhere. Sometimes it goes somewhere much later. "With Carole Ann appearing, I knew the day she was there, and it was terribly exciting and very covert, and none of us were allowed to know. But I happened to follow her into a studio one day and go, 'Oh, wow, that's going to be amazing!'. Want more Doctor Who? We've got you covered. Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club. Every month you can expect: A new in-depth interview with a Doctor Who legend Downloadable bookazines showcasing unseen Doctor Who gems from the Radio Times archive Doctor Who columns and videos from our team of Doctor Who experts Allons-y! "So it would be nice to think that she came back and had a little bit more to offer." Ford recently opened up to RadioTimes.com about how her scenes in season 15 were changed from what was originally planned, explaining: "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. "[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!" Bonnie Langford's full interview will be available on RadioTimes.com on 18th November. Stay tuned for Carole Ann Ford's full interview. Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times' Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Stranger Things star reveals Eddie Munson’s impact on season 5 after devastating death - and Dustin’s “dark” mindset
We'll see a different side to Gaten Matarazzo's Dustin Henderson after last season's loss.
The Stranger Things fandom may never recover from the death of our beloved Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) and that's set to be reflected in season 5 in a big way. While the Duffer Brothers have denied that Quinn's anarchist rocker will return in the upcoming final season of the show, star Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson, has revealed his presence will still very much be felt after the pair's unexpected bond last season. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, Matarazzo explained: "[Dustin's] priority is to try to feel [Eddie's] presence as much as he can, and spread his presence to those around him, who maybe aren't as perceptive to it considering the complicated history that Eddie leaves with. "There's no justice really there for him. And something that I think [Dustin] is coming to terms with is the fact that he'll just have to accept that people think the most horrible things about someone he loves so much, and someone he knows was a really good person, and that's really frustrating, and leads him to feel quite resentful." That will mean we meet a Dustin we're not so used to seeing at the beginning of season 5, with Matarazzo adding: "He's in a pretty dark place. I think everybody is, though, and so he has a bit tunnel vision there, which can cause a bit of a clash, and I think people aren't really listening to him, but he's not necessarily listening to others." "There's alienation," co-star Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler) added, with Matarazzo agreeing: "Yeah, alienation, dissonance, things like that. It's cool to play, definitely a bit more of a challenge, but I had fun." Last season saw Eddie sacrifice himself, with Quinn telling RadioTimes.com afterwards: "I think there's a great beginning, there's a great middle and a great end for the character. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/07/StrangerThingsS5GatenFinnCalebNoah-5068f59.jpg" width="4488" height="2992" alt="Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, and Noah Schnapp as Will Byers in Stranger Things all putting their hands in the middle of the group and looking at each other while standing in the woods." title="StrangerThings_S5_Gaten_Finn_Caleb_Noah" /> "And as an actor you want characters with those kinds of arcs. So whilst it would have been great to come back for another season and get together with all those lovely people again, I think it was a brilliantly realised ending for a brilliantly written character." This season will see the long-awaited final battle for Hawkins, with our heroes having to grapple with the town being under military quarantine and Vecna having strangely disappeared. But something tells us he won't be gone for too long... Stranger Things 5 part 1 premieres on Netflix on Wednesday 26th November 2025. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who legend Tom Baker, 91, dons iconic Fourth Doctor costume as he receives MBE in style
Doctor Who legend Tom Baker received his MBE in style recently, as he donned his iconic Fourth Doctor costume, complete with the signature striped scarf. The actor, who will celebrate his 92nd birthday in January, headed to Hole Park, Kent on Monday 10th November 2025 for the investiture of his MBE, which he received for services to television. Taking us back in time, Baker smiled from ear to ear as he posed inside a replica of the TARDIS, with his scarf draped around him and his MBE pinned to his lapel, which was presented to him by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain. Friends and foes were also in attendance, as a well-behaved Dalek and trusty pup K9 can be seen on standby in the photos. In more snaps, Baker can be seen donning a sharp blue suit and a poppy to mark Remembrance Day. Last year, it was announced that Baker would be recognised for his services to television, following his iconic run as the Doctor from 1974 to 1981, which has gone down in history as a golden age of the show. In 2023, the actor sat down with Radio Times to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who, during which he was asked about any advice for his successor, Ncuti Gatwa, who played the most recent incarnation of the Doctor. "Knowing anything is a bit dangerous when you play Doctor Who," he said. "It’s better to know nothing. And to be good-natured. The trick is to respond generously to other actors, which halves your task because you don’t have to be driving it all the time." As for any reunions with his fellow Doctors? "I avoid them, you know. Not with any malice. A degree of contempt, perhaps. But mildly. Mildly contemptuous." He added: "Nobody failed as Doctor Who, did they? Well, we mustn’t be ungenerous to anyone. But certainly I didn’t." Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Pluribus star reveals why the show's "dark" script kept her up at night as mystery deepens
"There is a constant suspense, and really dark psychological questions."
As the mystery deepens in Vince Gilligan's new show Pluribus, star Rhea Seehorn has opened up about how the script kept her and her co-stars up at night. The new genre-bending series from the Breaking Bad creator follows Seehorn's Carol, one of the only humans to prove immune to an alien virus known as The Joining, which removes all sense of individuality from people it infects. Already, the series has prompted conversations about topics from AI and technology to love and loss – and Seehorn has admitted that was something that kept her and her co-stars up at night while on set. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, Seehorn said: "It stays very suspenseful. Even after the threat changes from physical to psychological, there's a mystery there. "There is a constant suspense, and really dark psychological questions that even the cast and crew would sometimes stay up at night talking about, like, 'What does that mean? What does it mean to be happy? How do you define content[ment]? How do you define relationships and love and all of that?'" Karolina Wydra, who plays Zosia, added: "That's what's so great about the show. It's a conversation starter. Like, you don't get to watch it and just turn it up like, 'Oh, that was a fun ride.' You get to actually dissect it. Like, 'Wait, what was that? What does that mean? "'What does it mean, on so many levels, to be human? What does it mean to be an individual? What does it mean to be part of a conformity and part of one thing?'" The latest episode of the highly-rated series sees Carol attempt to reach out to Carlos Manuel Vesga's Manousos in Paraguay, with her efforts backfiring. She also tests the boundaries of The Others by sarcastically asking them for a grenade - a request that is granted, with Carol almost killing herself and Zosia before she realises it's actually real. Many viewers have theorised that The Others are an allegory for AI, with the series showing humans stripped of their individuality, creativity, and autonomy. As for how that allegory will develop in future episodes, only time will tell! Pluribus continues on Apple TV on Fridays – you can sign up for a seven-day free trial of Apple TV now. Add Pluribus to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Mark Gatiss says his unmade Doctor Who story starring David Tennant could still be released
Mark Gatiss has said that the unmade Doctor Who story he wrote for David Tennant's Tenth Doctor could still be released. Titled The Suicide Exhibition, Gatiss has previously revealed how the episode was "on the verge of production for a while in the late 2000s" but never quite made the cut. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, he recalled: "[I wrote] two drafts – one set in the First World War, then Nazis... I just moved a war on. "It's called The Suicide Exhibition, set in the British Museum, it's a sort of Indiana Jones-type story. It's rather good, I think. "I do [still have a copy]. Big Finish has expressed an interest. It's all gone very quiet, though. I'm waiting for that emergency phone call!" Gatiss has still had a huge impact on the Whoniverse regardless, not only writing episodes from The Unquiet Dead to Sleep No More, but penning the 50th anniversary docudrama An Adventure in Space and Time, which saw David Bradley take on the role of William Hartnell. Considering what other period in Doctor Who history could feature in a similar programme, he explained: "The origins of everything, that's always the interesting thing. The other interesting thing is crisis... "The documentary about The Trial of a Time Lord is an absolutely fascinating piece of work, because it's so full of what ifs and conflict." He added: "It's a strange thing to say, but the darkest hour for the show would definitely make a very interesting drama, wouldn't it? I mean, the personal conflicts, the professional conflicts, the resignations... that's the one, isn't it? "And I suppose out of the darkness comes the light, because there's a rosy future to look forward to. "There's something very moving about [Tales of the TARDIS] rounding all that off." Stay tuned for Arthur Darvill's full interview on RadioTimes.com. Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
4 classic Doctor Who leads confirmed to attend MCM Birmingham Comic Con - and it's this month
It's going to be a great weekend for Doctor Who fans!
Doctor Who fans, you might want to head over to MCM Birmingham Comic Con this month, because four classic Doctors have officially been confirmed as guests! Peter Davison (the Fifth Doctor), Colin Baker (the Sixth Doctor), Sylvester McCoy (the Seventh Doctor) and Paul McGann (the Eighth Doctor) will all appear at the event, which runs from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th November at the NEC. Not only will they take to the stage for a panel together, they will also be conducting signings and photo opportunities throughout the weekend. McCoy, McGann and Davison will appear across all three days for photo and autograph opportunities, with Baker appearing on Saturday and Sunday only. The four actors will no doubt give their takes on the recent seasons of the show, which saw Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor regenerate into returning star Billie Piper. Want more Doctor Who? We've got you covered. Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club. Every month you can expect: A new in-depth interview with a Doctor Who legend Downloadable bookazines showcasing unseen Doctor Who gems from the Radio Times archive Doctor Who columns and videos from our team of Doctor Who experts Allons-y! Davison previously opened up about the surprise twist to Starburst, telling the magazine: "I don’t know what Billie Piper is doing. I have just read about it, and I don’t know what it’s about. It’s a completely mad idea. "I don’t think she is the Doctor. I think it’s kind of just a hand grenade thrown into the final episode to try and go, 'Whoa, what’s this?' And then it’s almost like, 'Get out of that.'" He added: "I thought she was a fantastic companion, but she’s got a great career, and she’s got options galore. I don’t know why she would voluntarily choose to go back to Cardiff for a year." Most recently, it was confirmed that the BBC's deal with Disney will not be continuing, but Doctor Who will return for a 2026 Christmas special, penned by showrunner Russell T Davies. MCM Comic Con Birmingham will return to the NEC from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 November. Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Bonnie Langford reveals how she convinced beloved Doctor Who companion to take role
Doctor Who legend Bonnie Langford has revealed her influence on the show reaches further than fans may have thought, as she was the one who convinced another beloved companion to say yes to their role. During a recent interview with RadioTimes.com, the Melanie Bush actress recalled sitting down with Bradley Walsh and convincing him to take the role of companion Graham O'Brien alongside Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor. "I went and met him for lunch," she recalled. "And he said, ‘I've been asked to do Doctor Who, I don't know if I should.’ I said, ‘Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. It's the gift that keeps on giving.' "And he did! In the end, we ended up doing a scene together, and I was just so pleased." Walsh's first appearance came in Doctor Who season 11, when he was introduced as Graham, the grandfather of Tosin Cole's character Ryan. The pair left together in the 2021 New Year's Day special, Revolution of the Daleks. Want more Doctor Who? We've got you covered. Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club. Every month you can expect: A new in-depth interview with a Doctor Who legend Downloadable bookazines showcasing unseen Doctor Who gems from the Radio Times archive Doctor Who columns and videos from our team of Doctor Who experts Allons-y! However, both Langford and Walsh reprised their roles for Jodie Whittaker's final episode, The Power of the Doctor, which featured the beloved companion support group scene, with various companions from across Doctor Who's 62-year history reuniting. Langford never expected to be asked back, but was delighted when she got the call from then-showrunner Chris Chibnall. "At that point I thought, 'Well, I wonder what Mel would be,'" she reflected. "A lot calmer. A lot calmer, and much more into her computers, yet very discreet about the work that she does. "She had such a loyalty to the Doctor. It was really great that I had been able to still be in touch with [Mel], to think, 'I wonder where she's been and what she's done, and how she has kept her connection with the Doctor.' "So then when I came to do it in the new TV series, it felt really comfortable to be with her." Bonnie Langford's full interview will be available on RadioTimes.com on 18th November. Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Wheel of Time star Rosamund Pike speaks out on show's cancellation and reveals the chances of it ever returning
The beloved fantasy show was cancelled earlier this year by Prime Video.
Fantasy fans are still mourning The Wheel of Time after its shock cancellation earlier this year, and now star Rosamund Pike has given her take on the reasons behind the decision. The fantasy series, based on the beloved novels by Robert Jordan, starred Pike as Moiraine Damodred, with the actress being an outspoken champion for the show. According to Deadline, Prime Video made the decision not to renew the series following "lengthy deliberations", with financial reasons reportedly being the primary decision maker. Reflecting on the cancellation, Pike admitted she agrees with fans that season 1 "wasn't good enough", with the series facing struggles amid the Covid-19 pandemic – but that, by season 3, "there was a really well-acted, well-written, cohesive, deep show that was attracting powerhouse actors to come and play supporting characters". Speculating about why the series was cancelled despite its passionate fanbase, she added to Collider: “I think we're possibly victims to the terrible churn factor of people wanting to show that ‘We've got a new show.’ It's all about what's new.” In the wake of the cancellation, showrunner Rafe Judkins called for another streamer to pick up the show. “In my dreams, another studio would be wise and pick it up," Pike said. "We have such an amazing team now. We have the ability to make a great final sequence of seasons for this show... We know what to do with these books now, so who knows? But I think we have to accept that it's over." After The Wheel of Time's cancellation, many members of the cast and crew spoke out about the disappointing news. View Green Video on the source website Meanwhile, fans created a petition calling for another streamer to pick up the show, which has now reached more than 227,000 signatures. The petition addresses Sony Pictures Television, Prime Video and other streaming services, and points to the show's strong critical and fan reception as well as reported viewing figures. It also praises the show's dedication to diversity and inclusion, and its loyal fan base. The Wheel of Time seasons 1-3 are available to stream on Prime Video. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
V for Vendetta isn't just another cash-grab remake – it could be the most important
I'm officially done with cash grab remakes. That's not a particularly hot take. In fact, I think it's how a lot of TV audiences have been feeling over the past few years. Particularly within the sci-fi and fantasy genres, finding a new, original series to watch instead of a sequel, prequel or, most dreaded of all, a remake, has been like finding a needle in a haystack. The reasons for that are pretty clear. The TV industry as a whole has been facing a funding crisis, making commissioners less likely to take a gamble on something new, and more likely to rely on an IP that's already proven itself worthy. It's a sad state of affairs but probably inevitable. But, while we've been bombarded with remakes, there are still some that are worth getting on board with, and a TV adaptation of V for Vendetta could very well be one of them. It's been reported that DC is developing a V for Vendetta TV series on HBO, with Pete Jackson penning the show and James Gunn and Peter Safran on board as executive producers. Based on Alan Moore and David Lloyd's graphic novel of the same name and released in 2005, the original movie followed Natalie Portman's Evey as she encountered masked freedom fighter V, an anarchist attempting to ignite a revolution against a fascist totalitarian regime. For the past 20 years, the film has stayed in the cultural and political zeitgeist in more ways than we could have predicted – particularly with the Guy Fawkes mask used as a symbol of anti-establishment rebellion (perhaps most recognisably by the hacktivist group Anonymous). So, if the movie is still culturally relevant, why do we need a remake? Well, it's the type of story we need to hear again and again, especially in the midst of the current political climate. Across the globe, we're currently facing the rise of the far right – and we have been for some time. To speak specifically of the UK, it's clear to me that a culture of racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and sexism has become normalised, with 'debates' about the rights of immigrants and trans people in particular permeating the media landscape on a daily basis, and the rhetoric of Nigel Farage and Reform becoming inescapable. View oEmbed on the source website It terrifies me that progress seems to be going backwards in some ways. Just yesterday, the US Supreme Court thankfully rejected an appeal to its same-sex marriage ruling, which was made a decade ago in 2015. But the fact that it's even a discussion, to me, is a clear sign of the lack of progress made in those 10 years. In a political climate like this one, we don't have the luxury of being subtle in our media and entertainment, and it's essential that we see our world reflected back at us – particularly in our sci-fi. In fact, if a sci-fi film or series isn't lifting a mirror to, and commenting on, our society, it's not doing its job. V for Vendetta certainly did its job on this front with its depiction of a totalitarian regime taking over Britain. With a remake, DC and HBO are going to place the story squarely back in the public consciousness, hopefully to the point that it cannot be avoided. Plus, crucially, there's more story to tell. The original movie may have done justice to the graphic novel, but it certainly didn't cover it all. There's a lot more nuance that can be explored in what will presumably be at least a six-part series. In the graphic novel, V is more ruthless and villainous, with the character being somewhat toned down for the movie. A series, however, would allow the time for a different, more ambiguous V to be explored. A series would also allow for a longer time frame to be shown. We can see the ins and outs of how Britain fell under the thumb of a totalitarian regime (which I'm expecting to be chillingly prescient), but also what happens after the end of the movie. Ultimately, even though the original film is still so culturally important, a V for Vendetta series would do two crucial things that not many remakes can offer: it would say something important about our society and current political climate, and it would give us something different to the original film. And that is something I'd take any day over a Harry Potter remake. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who legends Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill confirm reunion for exciting new Who project
The Ponds are back in business! Doctor Who legends Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill are officially reuniting for a new podcast which will see them reminisce about their time on the beloved sci-fi. The duo quickly became fan favourites on the show, playing husband and wife Amy Pond and Rory Williams alongside Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor. And now, they're ready to revisit the series in their new podcast, which will be aptly called The Pondcast. Sharing the news exclusively with RadioTimes.com, Darvill said the podcast is a chance to catch up with Gillan, who spends much of her time in the US, explaining: "We really get on and we catch up quite often, and we had such a good time [on Doctor Who]. "It was so long ago and we've forgotten so much that happened, but it was such a formative thing, that we feel now that we're able to look back and celebrate it." He added: "I've not seen half of it, so we're going to rewatch it and talk about it. We've recorded a few episodes already and it's really fun. It is just me and Karen messing around so I'm not quite sure how many new facts you'll get, but it's really nice to kind of go back and reminisce about it." As for how he feels about watching the episodes back? "I'm slightly nervous, but also, because it was so long ago, it feels like a different person. So I feel ready to to watch some stuff. I've seen a lot of it, but there's some episodes I've never seen. So it will be a complete surprise." While The Pondcast doesn't have a launch date just yet, the pair have already recorded a few episodes, with former showrunner Steven Moffat appearing as a guest on one – so watch this space (and time!). Darvill and Gillan first appeared in the season 5 episode The Eleventh Hour, and remained on Doctor Who until their heartbreaking exit in The Angels Take Manhattan. The pair of them have been open about their hopes of one day returning to Doctor Who, with Gillan recently confirming she'd come back as Amy Pond, as long as Smith and Darvill were on board. Darvill added to RadioTimes.com: "We all joke with each other because we're all still good mates, like 'Maybe this year we'll be back'. I like the idea that when we're really old we'll go back. I presume it's going to go on forever. "But yeah, if the scripts were right – it was so funny when we left, we all were like, 'No, never going back. It was too good. We don't want to ruin it.' But now I think we've kind of gone off and done our own things. "And reminiscing is dangerous at times, but you kind of look back and go, well, it was really formative, and the most fun I've had on almost anything, really. I think it would be silly to rule it out." Pondcast is coming soon. Stay tuned for Arthur Darvill's full interview on RadioTimes.com. Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Stranger Things star confirms season 5 will continue key Will Byers storyline
As Stranger Things season 5 approaches, it's been confirmed that one key storyline involving Noah Schnapp's Will Byers hasn't been abandoned. While it's never been explored explicitly on the show, fans have always wondered about Will's sexuality, with Schnapp previously confirming that he's gay, and the Duffer Brothers hinting at his feelings for his best friend Mike (Finn Wolfhard) in season 4. In a new interview with GQ, Schnapp, who came out as gay in 2023, confirms that Will's sexuality will form a major plot point in the final season of Netflix's flagship sci-fi. He said that the show helped him figure out his sexuality, adding: "But it didn’t just help find my own identity sexually. As a person, it taught me that it’s OK to be me, as everything that I am. "And I think that’s what’s so special about our show, and what’s so special about Will. It doesn’t resonate with queer people, it resonates with all people who feel different.” Schnapp previously told Variety of Will's sexuality: "It was hinted at in season 1. It was always kind of there, but you never really knew, is it just him growing up slower than his friends? Now that he’s gotten older, they made it a very real, obvious thing. Now it’s 100 per cent clear he is gay and does love Mike." Will isn't the only character who's been coming to terms with their LGBTQ+ identity on the show, with Maya Hawke's Robin Buckley also coming out to best friend Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) in season 3. Now, fans are hoping she might play a part in helping Will come to terms with his identity. View oEmbed on the source website If the box above is not showing, you may need to change your privacy settings. In the Radio Times site footer, click ‘Manage Privacy Settings’. Under ‘Site Vendors’, consent to ‘YouTube’, then press Save & Exit. Previously, Schnapp promised that Will has a "perfect" ending ahead of him, telling Forbes: "I can just tell you that I'm very very excited for what's to come. "I think they did a great job with Will's character this season, and beautifully addressed everything they needed to." He added: "The way they closed the show is just perfect – the story started with Will, and it’ll end with Will." Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who’s Bonnie Langford reacts to Mel’s unseen and outrageous original description
Reading out the description, Langford was scandalised by some of the details.
Doctor Who legend Bonnie Langford has revealed her thoughts on the absolutely outrageous description she was given for her character Mel when she was first cast in the show's original run. Langford joined the cast of Doctor Who as companion Melanie Bush, a computer programmer, in 1986. While she departed the following year, she returned in recent seasons of the show alongside Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti Gatwa's Doctors. As part of an in-depth interview with Radio Times, Langford recalled being cast in the series by then-producer, the legendary John Nathan-Turner, who gave her a two-page description of the character when they first met, which she recently read for the first time in years. Looking back at that description now, Langford is scandalised by some of the details – most of all, by the idea that Mel would sing in the TARDIS (which never happened in the show), and that she would pester the Doctor (then played by Colin Baker) about losing weight. "Melanie is scintillating, fascinating and irritating," Langford reads. "She has a mane of red hair, fierce blue eyes – which I don't have - and freckles – which I don't really have. "She's 21 years old and a computer programmer from Pease Pottage…there's some of it I probably can't read to you because it says 'strictly confidential'. Want more Doctor Who? We've got you covered. Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club. Every month you can expect: A new in-depth interview with a Doctor Who legend Downloadable bookazines showcasing unseen Doctor Who gems from the Radio Times archive Doctor Who columns and videos from our team of Doctor Who experts Ultimate Doctor Who quizzes Allons-y! "Oh, okay, she is heavily into aerobics and health food. You see, that was very much of the time. It was all Jane Fonda. She would probably be a vegan now, wouldn't she? "Oh, here we go. She considers the Doctor overweight and in need of regular Jane Fonda-type movement lessons, although the Doctor insists he gets quite enough exercise, dashing around the galaxy, defeating evil. She often attempts to force health-giving vitamin enriched food to the Doctor, muesli, raw carrots, etc, which may provide useful comedy relief. "It goes on. It says she's got a sense of humour, so that's good. And she's often heard singing in the TARDIS. Thank goodness she didn't have to do any singing. I think I might have put my foot down at that!" Before that meeting – and, indeed, before being cast as Mel – Langford had never seen an episode of Doctor Who, admitting she "went in very blindly". "I enjoyed it tremendously. I had a good time doing it. But I think were I to take it on now I would probably focus on it slightly differently," she explains. "I had no idea of the impact. It was interesting as well, because most of the time people who played the assistants, it was very early on in their careers, and certainly in their TV careers. So it was unusual to have a companion who who had a profile. "But at that point, the show was going through a lot of difficulty. John adored it and was fighting for its survival. And I have a feeling that I was brought into it because I was getting a lot of column inches at that time with publicity, and he knew that it would have an impact on that side of it." She admits: "I have my views about my own performance in it, because I've been forced to see it since..But I was very earnest and very keen to do 100 per cent of my job, even if it didn't feel comfortable to me. "I had absolutely no idea that I would still be talking about Doctor Who all these years later. It's such a gift that keeps on giving." Bonnie Langford's full interview will be available on RadioTimes.com on 18th November. Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who's Bonnie Langford was "never told" key detail about her iconic companion
"Sometimes we don't know about everything."
When Bonnie Langford returned to Doctor Who after years away, fans were delighted to learn more about her backstory and where she'd been since we saw her last. The 60th anniversary special The Giggle saw Langford's character Mel reunite with the Doctor (at that time, played by David Tennant, and offered tidbits about what her life had looked like since they last met, including the fate of old Sabalom Glitz, who Mel travelled the stars with. But one moment had fans keen to hear more, as Mel admitted: "I had to face up to the one thing I'd been running away from – I've got nothing. My family are all gone." Sitting down with Radio Times for an in-depth interview, Langford admitted she has "absolutely no idea" what happened to Mel's family – and showrunner Russell T Davies has never told her. Referring to that particular line, she recalled: "There was a lovely scene that I got to do with David Tennant, which was something about, ‘Well, you know, you know what happened? I lost all my family,’ and I'm thinking, 'He never told me!' And sometimes that's best. Want more Doctor Who? We've got you covered. Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club. Every month you can expect: A new in-depth interview with a Doctor Who legend Downloadable bookazines showcasing unseen Doctor Who gems from the Radio Times archive Doctor Who columns and videos from our team of Doctor Who experts Ultimate Doctor Who quizzes Allons-y! "Do we need to know the details? Let's leave that for a later date. That's the great thing about Who, is that you can you can travel in time so much that you are not restricted or limited by having to make something chronological or to connect the dots. "Sometimes we don't know about everything, and that might be a good thing... it leaves so much room for the imagination." When Mel was first introduced, joining the show in 1986, she'd already been travelling with the Doctor (then played by Colin Baker) for some time, as opposed to other companions, whose introductory adventures have played out on screen. But while Langford doesn't know every part of Mel's backstory, she's been able to weigh in on parts of it. Reflecting on her return in 2022 for The Power of the Doctor, she explained: "It was very last minute. I got a call from the costume people saying, 'What do you think she would wear?' "And because I had been still connected with Mel, and because of the Big Finish audios, I felt I was able to say, 'Oh, I think she would be a bit like this.'" Langford added: "It's interesting because, at that point, I thought, 'Well, I wonder what Mel would be [like now].' A lot calmer! And very much more into her computers at that point, and yet very discreet about the work that she does." "[Mel] had such a loyalty to the Doctor," she continued. "So at that point, it was really great that I had been able to still be in touch with her, and able to think, 'Well, I wonder where she's been and what she's done, and how she has kept her connection with the Doctor.' "So then when I came to do it in the new TV series, it felt really comfortable to be with her." Bonnie Langford's full interview will be available on RadioTimes.com on 18th November. Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times's Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What Stranger Things season 5's first five minutes really tell us - including solving a big season 1 mystery
This is not a drill! The first five minutes of Stranger Things season 5 have been released and they've told us a hell of a lot about what's to come. The final season is set to wrap up the story that has been with us for almost a decade, which started with the disappearance of Noah Schnapp's Will Byers. As it turns out, the end of the story will take us back to the very beginning, with season 5 showing us exactly what happened to a young Will when he disappeared all those years ago. Here's what we've learnt from those all important five minutes! 1. What exactly happened to Will in season 1 The very first season of Stranger Things followed the disappearance of Will Byers – but only now have we seen what happened to him during the week he was abducted into the Upside Down. Season 5 opens with him singing a familiar song (more on that later), as he takes shelter in Castle Byers in the Upside Down. Soon, though, a demogorgon finds him. While Will attempts to fight it off, he's knocked out after falling from a tree, and the demogorgon drags him away, making way for its master, Vecna. View oEmbed on the source website Vecna traps Will and attaches a tendril to his mouth, telling him: "At long last, we can begin. You and I, we are going to do such beautiful things together. Such beautiful things." It's the first we've properly seen of the horrors that Will endured during that week and explains why Joyce and Hopper found him as they did at the end of season 1, with a tendril down his throat. 2. We've all been underestimating Will For the past five seasons, Will has been constantly considered the weakest member of the group – the one that always needs protecting. Well, in these five minutes, that misconception has been put to bed. We see the youngster forced to fight for his life, shooting a demagorgon (with stellar aim, may we add), jumping from tree to tree, and facing down terrors that no one in his life could ever truly comprehend, completely on his own. Finally, fans are putting some respect on his name! 3. The familiar song we've been waiting for It's been months since the Duffer Brothers released the first line Stranger Things season 5, but now, we've seen it in its full glory. In the script, the line read: "Darkness. The sound of cold wind. Groaning trees. And... a child's voice. Singing a familiar song." While there was some speculation that could refer to Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill, we now know for sure that familiar song is The Clash's Should I Stay or Should I Go, a song Will uses as a coping mechanism for his trauma. Music has played an incredibly important role in Stranger Things thus far (lest we forget the Kate Bush moment in season 4!), and it seems Should I Stay or Should I Go will return to the forefront this season, as Will faces his final battle. 4. The demogorgons take orders This is the first time we've seen the monstrous demogorgon present some kind of intelligence and take orders, rather than just acting on its base instincts. We see the creature drag Will to Vecna's lair, presumably following his instructions to a tee and, even more strangely, bowing to Vecna as he arrives. It seems season 5 will show us a more intelligent side to the terrifying creatures – and one that is undoubtedly more dangerous. 5. Vecna has been playing the long game This might be an obvious one, but the first five minutes of season 5 just reaffirm that Vecna has known Will since the beginning of the series, and that his plans for him have been in place for a very, very long time. In the clip, he tells him: "At long last, we can begin", as he places a tendril over his mouth. Presumably, whatever Vecna placed inside Will can be activated at a moment's notice, turning him back into a spy and forcing him to do his bidding. After all, the end of the season 5 trailer saw Vecna telling Will that he needs his help "one last time". As for why Will was chosen? Here's hoping season 5 will give us an answer amid all the horrors to come. Stranger Things 5 part 1 premieres on Netflix on Wednesday 26th November 2025. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.