May 22, 2025
The bi-generated villains of Wish World speak to Doctor Who Magazine about causing double trouble for the Doctor…
You wait 20 years for the return of the Rani… and then two show up at once! Doctor Who fans witnessed the return of classic villain the Rani in The Interstellar Song Contest, as Mrs Flood bi-generated into her true Time Lord identity.
Doctor Who Magazine spoke to Anita Dobson and Whoniverse newcomer Archie Panjabi about sharing this iconic role and what it means for the Doctor and Belinda in Wish World – read an exclusive excerpt below.
This issue of Doctor Who Magazine also includes a free special edition paperback version of the Target novel adaptation of Second Doctor adventure The Wheel in Space!
The new issue of Doctor Who Magazine is on sale now. You can order here.
ANITA DOBSON and ARCHIE PANJABI pose double trouble for the Doctor as two versions of his old adversary…
Anita Dobson: “The Rani is an enabler, I think. This is just my take, but I think she facilitates villains. She’s the power behind the throne. She likes to be around power, but she doesn’t want to get the brunt of it if it all goes down the Swanee. So, she’s always thinking of her way out. That’s how she functions. It seems that way to me, because she turns up in the oddest places, and she has a knack of being able to get out of them. If things go wrong, she’s ready to go. She’s just immediately out of there before they can bring the wrath on her.”
Archie Panjabi: “I think the basic traits are definitely still there. She’s this amoral scientist, heavily focused on genetics and life and so forth – and, of course, the arch-enemy of the Doctor. We have honoured a lot of what was created but, like they have done with the Doctor, we’ve updated it and made it more contemporary. She’s incredibly cunning, she’s manipulative, she’s controlling, she’s formidable… We only get a tiny little window into her vulnerability… She wants to rule the universe, she’s a woman with an agenda… And she’s playful at the same time.”
Read the full interview in Doctor Who Magazine issue 617.
In the magazine:
- THIS YEAR’S SEASON FINALE PREVIEWED! RUSSELL T DAVIES on what to expect in the much-anticipated concluding episodes Wish World and The Reality War…
- ACCESS ALL AREAS – Join DWM at UNIT HQ for the climactic scenes of Lucky Day – including contributions from writer PETE McTIGHE and guest star JONAH HAUER-KING.
- Barber Shop Quartet – actors SULE RIMI, SANYA ADEGBOLA, MICHAEL BALOGUN and JORDAN ADENE talk about their roles as the Barber’s captives in The Story & the Engine.
- Fugitive Doctor JO MARTIN on her surprise return to the TV series…
- VIP backstage access to The Interstellar Song Contest! Writer JUNO DAWSON, director BEN A WILLIAMS and your host RYLAN are among those on hand to reveal the secrets of this entertainment spectacular!
- Mrs Flood unmasked! ANITA DOBSON chats about the latest revelations…
- The Rani reborn! ARCHIE PANJABI on taking on the mantle of the cold-hearted Time Lady!
- A guided tour to an impressive new exhibition opening in Peterborough.
- Target Books’ STEVE COLE remembers TERRANCE DICKS and discusses the special new edition of The Wheel in Space included with this issue.
- Gary Gillatt assesses the merits of alien art from across the universe…
- Back to 1973… We take a look at contemporary reactions to the environmental message of Third Doctor classic The Green Death.
- FACT OF FICTION – unravelling the mysteries of the Evolution of the Daleks.
- The adventures of the Fifteenth Doctor and Belinda continue in the comic strip.
Regular features
- Gallifrey Guardian – our news round-up including details of the cinema screenings of the season finale.
- Reviews – featuring the latest Blu-ray/DVD, book and audio releases.
- Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe.
- Prizes to be won – including new adventures for the Fifteenth Doctor in print!
The new issue of Doctor Who Magazine is on sale now. You can order here.
