October 25, 2021
Mandip Gill, who plays the Doctor's friend Yasmin Khan, reveals more of what we can expect in Doctor Who: Flux, premiering October 31st. Read the full interview below.
Doctor Who: Flux premieres on October 31st. Find out where to watch here
Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, John Bishop and Jacob Anderson star in an epic six-part adventure which will take the Doctor and her friends to the edge of the universe and beyond, in a battle for survival. Packed with action, humour, terrifying new villains and iconic returning monsters such as the Sontarans and the Weeping Angels, the new series of Doctor Who tells one story across a vast canvas. It features a host of acclaimed British acting talent including Rochenda Sandall, Annabel Scholey, Craig Parkinson, Kevin McNally, Sam Spruell, Robert Bathurst, Steve Oram and Thaddea Graham.
From Liverpool to the depths of space, via the Crimean war and a planet named Atropos which shouldn’t even exist, fighting old foes and new creatures from beyond our dimension, the Doctor and company face a race against (and through!) time to uncover a universe-spanning mystery: what is the Flux?
Yaz continues to go from strength to strength in terms of independence in Space during this series.She can be seen to be taking charge in adventures without the Doctor but naturally at times is out ofher depth and asks herself, “What would the Doctor do?” I very much enjoy these struggles as itnaturally shows that no matter how many adventures she goes on she will always need the Doctor.
Can you talk to us a bit about how it was filming one serialised story this time around and how that changed things for you?
Filming one serialised story for me personally has been great. I did love the stand-alone episodes but this way feels like I have longer to explore relationships with other characters such as Vinder played by Jacob Anderson and Jericho played by Kevin McNally. Both characters are seen in several episodes and so Yaz is able to develop a much deeper relationship with them that doesn’t end at the end of an episode. On a personal level I have really enjoyed having such amazing guest leads around for a longer period of time and sharing this experience with them.
How was it introducing John Bishop into the Doctor Who family, and what kind of relationship does Dan form with Yaz?
John was so brilliant from the beginning. He was eager and excited and I loved that about him because I am still so excited by costumes and sets and the amazing crew in Cardiff myself. Yaz andDan have a really wholesome relationship, they have quickly managed to find a place in which they can tease one another confidentially. They really create a special bond on some of the adventures, they are able to get to know one another and can connect on a human level.
Can you tell us a bit about working with Jacob Anderson?
Meeting and working with Jacob Anderson has been one of the highlights of the series for me. He is incredibly talented and such a joy to get to know.
We hear monsters and prosthetics will be on another level this year, what can you tell us? Did you feel spooked by any?
You have heard correctly; the monsters and prosthetics are on another level this year. I was so intrigued by the detail and intricacy of some of the prosthetics. We have Karvanista an alien dog and as much as I am scared of dogs in real life, he was so fascinating to look at. Craige Els playing Karvanista is over six foot tall, imagine that!
Did you do any exciting stunts this series?
We have a really exciting stunt scene over an acid ocean. Jodie and I spent the day on wires been hung upside down, spun around and winched up like small animals. Yaz also has a quick sword fight.It was a short rehearsal before the shoot, but I really enjoyed it and am excited to see how it looks.
There are some amazing guest actors this series, who have you enjoyed working with?
I have enjoyed working with all of the guest leads this year. It has been an absolute honour to work during COVID and to be able to meet new people. I have previously worked with Rochenda Sandall so it was a delight to see her again. Kevin McNally is one of the most talented actors I have had the pleasure of working with. He unknowingly taught me so much on and off screen. John (Bishop) and I joked about going to the ‘McNally school of Acting’. It was really refreshing to see how much he enjoys been on set.
What has been the highlight of your third series?
The highlight of the series for me was genuinely been able to work during COVID with the same crew as the previous series in Cardiff. They are the kindest, most funny and genuine cast and crew I have ever met.
How would you describe Series 13 in three words, and why should people tune in to this series?
An emotional rollercoaster. Tune into this series to see an emotional rollercoaster heavily sprinkled with old and new enemies.
Doctor Who: Flux premieres on October 31st. Find out where to watch here