October 15, 2026
The Seventh Doctor's companion reminisces on her experiences creating Classic Doctor Who...
Gracing the cover of this month's Doctor Who Magazine is actor Sophie Aldred, known to fans as the Seventh Doctor's rebellious companion Ace. Having spent almost four decades attending conventions, recording audio adventures for Big Finish and even returning to the role in 2022's The Power of the Doctor, Aldred's long-term relationship with the Whoniverse has seen her appear in the magazine many times; even collaborating with some of the same people!
Speaking to DWM this month, which comes with her 2021 novel At Childhood's End, Sophie discusses working with photographer Steve Cook, the power of fandom, and her experience of being a young female actor in the 1980s...
Doctor Who Magazine issue 635 is on sale now. You can order it here.
Sophie Aldred on working in television in the 80s:
“I was a bit rebellious in a very upper middle-class ‘I’m a good girl from Blackheath who always does my homework’ way. I was incredibly lucky with Sylvester. Having a feminist by my side was amazing. Most of the men surrounding me were left-wing feminist…
“We are taught from a very early age as young women that we need to be a certain shape and size. I suffered from eating disorders as a teenager. Bodies are something I could go on about all day. I think boys as well now feel a pressure to look a certain way – to be thin. Things on that front were all going in the right direction for a while, and then suddenly it’s taken quite a few steps backwards.
“I’ve always loved dressing up. That’s partly why I got into being an actress. There’s something I find satisfying about becoming someone else. With a wig as well. It’s great fun. I’m just looking at my son and his boyfriend – they’re both drag queens and I totally understand that appeal of making yourself into somebody different.”
Read the full interview in issue 635 of Doctor Who Magazine.
INCLUDED WITH THIS ISSUE:
A 240-page target book by ace actor Sophie Aldred – At Childhood’s End
Plus: a full-length audio drama download – Colditz starring Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy, and featuring David Tennant in his first Big Finish role
IN THE MAGAZINE:
- SOPHIE ALDRED shares her memories of working with photographer and DWM designer STEVE COOK – including images showcasing their work together.
- Executive producers RUSSELL T DAVIES and JULIE GARDNER remember their work on Torchwood, as the Doctor Who spin-off celebrates 20 years since its first broadcast.
- A new Key to Time omnibus collects together the six stories from Season 16! Authors JAMES GOSS and ROBERT SHEARMAN discuss their bold reinterpretations of these stories…
- The Cyber Leader himself, DAVID BANKS, talks about his new memoir.
- CARMEN GOMEZ on playing Anita in 1985’s The Two Doctors – and her remarkable career since…
- More Tales of the TARDIS with author BETH AXFORD.
- As it clocks up 50 years, we visit the locations of Season 14 opener The Hand of Fear.
- We stare into the Heart of the TARDIS to learn more about 2005 episode Boom Town.
- This Month in 1979… What could possibly have topped Doctor Who’s highest viewing figure ever?
- Wishes can come true… The Tenth Doctor and Rose in the comic strip.
REGULAR FEATURES
- GALLIFREY GUARDIAN: our monthly round-up of news, including news of the Invitation to Tender for the next series, a first look at Doctor Who: TARDIS Crew – the animated CBeebies series, the 20th anniversary cinema screening of The Satan Pit and the latest books and audio releases…
- Reviews of the closing chapters of the Circuit Breaker saga, plus this year’s Halloween treat from Big Finish.
- Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe.
- Prizes to be won! Including Season 25 on Blu-ray.
Doctor Who Magazine issue 635 is on sale now. You can order it here.
