August 27, 2026
The series' first ever director and the Doctor's original companion reminisce together in a new episode of The Whoniverse Show...
When a show lasts as long as Doctor Who, it is inevitable that the entire cast, crew and production team may change as often as the Doctor's face - but that doesn't always mean saying goodbye to old favourites. In a brand new episode of The Whoniverse Show, host Tia Kofi sits down with Waris Hussein, Doctor Who's first ever director, and Carole Ann Ford, most well-known for her role as the Doctor's granddaughter and original traveling companion Susan Foreman.
Together the pair answer fan questions, reminisce on filming in BBC's original home in Television Centre, and remember their experiences of working with First Doctor William Hartnell...
"[William] didn't quite know what to make of me," admits Waris, remembering his early days of working with the actor. "His initial reaction to me was one of apprehension - 'Who is this kid and what's he going to do with me?'"
Responding to a question posed by most recent showrunner Russell T Davies, Waris reminisces on the early days of rehearsal for the series, and his attempts to direct the older, much more experienced actor.
"We had all the floor plans taped out [...], and when I said 'I'd like you to move from here to there', he said 'Oh, Waris, I don't think I want to do that, I want to move there'. So he was testing me, because he knew I'd already planned my shot. I said 'William, if you move there, I won't be able to cover you with a camera', and when he knew he wouldn't be on camera he said 'Oh, okay, where would you like me to go?'"
"It was a test, which I think I passed... once he learned to trust me, we became companions".
"I found him divine - we got on terribly well!" exclaims Carole, remembering her on-screen grandfather. "We were like a family, I don't remember any arguments with anybody about anything."
Discussing their time working together, Carole and Waris talk about the limitations of bringing the fantastical world of the Whonverse to life in its more humble origins - with everything from the original TARDIS interior to the Gobi Desert being created around them in Lime Grove Studios.
"We had quite a few 'How do we cope?' moments," jokes Carole.
