May 27, 2025
The newest star of the Whoniverse discusses keeping secrets, bi-generation, and what to expect in The Reality War…
The Rani’s latest experiment sees her claiming dominion over reality itself – and things are not looking up for the Doctor! At the heart of this chaotic two-part finale is Archie Panjabi, joining the Season 2 cast as the Rani in the coda of The Interstellar Song Contest.
In the interview below, Archie discusses her bi-generation with Anita Dobson’s Mrs Flood, getting her own sonic screwdriver, and going head-to-head with the Doctor…
Welcome to the Whoniverse! How did this all come about?
I received a text from Phil Collinson [Executive Producer] who asked me if I would like to be on Doctor Who. I nearly dropped my phone. Phil was there when I did my very first television job, so it already felt special. When he told me him and Russell [T Davies, showrunner] wanted me to play the Rani… what else could I say other than “when?”. I was so excited.
Was it hard to keep the secret from your friends and family?
It was pure agony. The Rani is such an iconic character, and fans had been speculating and hoping for her return for a long time. Since Christmas 2023, I’ve been watching the show and seeing the excitement grow around Mrs Flood. I knew the truth behind the theories, and it was pure agony to keep quiet- but it was worth it.
Were you a fan of Doctor Who before?
I grew up with Doctor Who. I didn’t get to watch every episode, but it was definitely my wild escape… with the time travel, the monsters and this quirky character of the Doctor. I thought the sonic screwdriver was the best thing on the planet. Now, as the Rani, I finally get one. I did try to sneak it off set [laughs], but they were guarding it like the Crown Jewels. There were two: a dummy and a chic steel one. I thought if I brought it home, I’d be the coolest parent in town, in the universe.
What do you think makes Doctor Who so special?
It’s something that everyone has grown up with, particularly in the UK. There’s something so magical about this Time Lord who jumps into this blue box that can take you anywhere. It makes the weird feel wonderful and the impossible feel just within reach. It’s genius. I think people love it for being so whimsical and adventurous.
Mrs Flood and the Rani have such a great dynamic on screen, what can you tell us about this? And how was it working with Anita Dobson?
Anita has a wicked sense of humour, and we got on like a house on fire. That relationship was effortless, and I hope the audience get to feel that chemistry on screen. When I met her, she gave me a big hug. I knew this was somebody I would not only connect with for the purposes of Doctor Who, but I would be in touch with for the rest of my life.
In terms of their relationship on screen, they’re a riot. They’re united in purpose on their mission, but their dynamic isn’t exactly subtle. The Rani is the leader, and Mrs Flood’s Rani hovers behind. But the real fun kicks in when we see these two characters alone and they turn into bickering sisters. It was a lot of fun to play.
What was it like filming the bi-generation scene?
Anita and I had to stand side-by-side and twist the upper halves of our body to an angle where we could look at each other. We needed to give the illusion we were joined at the hip. It was very awkward but hilarious. We spent the whole day filming this scene, and let’s just say by the end of that scene, we got to know each other extremely well [laughs]. It was really hard to keep a straight face.
The Rani is such an iconic character in the history of Doctor Who. What can you tell us about her and your approach to the character?
The Rani is iconic. There’s a reason fans yearned for her return. She’s brilliant, she’s unapologetic, and she’s totally out of sync with any moral compass. I have always wanted to play a baddie. So the Rani for me is an absolute treat. She’s a wild force. She’ll burn anyone or anything to get what she wants, dancing with chaos like it’s her birthright. I took that fire and made it my own, and I had a blast doing it.
What was it like working with Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu?
It doesn’t matter how many jobs you’ve done, or how much you prepare walking into something new is always nerve-wracking. But Ncuti and Varada were rockstars, they made me feel like part of the gang from day one. It all comes down to the energy on set. Everyone on that set, the crew, the producers, the whole cast, just made it so easy to relax, have fun and step into the character. Playing that character is a blast, but being with such a warm and welcoming group made it something very special.
What was your reaction to seeing the sets in Wish World and The Reality War?
Stunning! I don’t think I’ve ever had a set so vast and mesmerising. I was intimidated by it when I first saw it. It’s just huge. It’s the endoskeleton of this beast. Everything in it is carved from material that looks like bone, the tables, the chairs, even the computer monitors. It was breathtaking.
You have such an incredible catalogue of work. How does Doctor Who compare to your other roles?
I’ve always wanted to play a baddie. I don’t think I could have played a character like the Rani had I not done the work I’ve done before. I think each of those roles brought something to give me the experience to play something like this. It was great fun.
Did you watch the previous episodes with the Rani?
Absolutely. I had seen it before, but I watched it again. She’s unforgettable. I was keen to capture her essence, her strength, her presence, but also avoid mimicking her. We’re both different Ranis, but I did want to give that nod to her. But at the same time, I wanted to embrace Russell’s script and dialogue and make her my own.
Wish World ends on a massive cliffhanger. What can you tease about the finale, The Reality War?
In the finale, we see the Time Lord and the Time Lady go head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown. Who is going to win? Who will claim the victory? And you don’t know what happens next.
If you could travel in the TARDIS to any time and place in the universe, where would you go?
I think I would jump into that beautiful blue box and head to Ancient Egypt when they were building the pyramids, which I think are stunningly breathtaking, and have a drink with a Pharaoh and work out how on earth they managed to move those massive stones. They’re incredible structures.
On a final note, how would you sum up the finale?
The finale is like two chess players – who will make the final move and play checkmate.
Join Archie Panjabi as the Rani in The Reality War, premiering simultaneously at 18:50 BST on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, on Disney+ outside the UK where available, and in select cinemas across the UK and Ireland.
