The Companions of the Revival… Who’s Next? 6 Suggestions

Connor Johnston proposes 6 of his own choices for the Doctor’s new companion.

With Series 10 pegged to enter production in the coming months and the news of who will be filling the enormous shoes left by Jenna Coleman sure to arrive well before that, it’s clear that the hottest time for speculation and discussion over who the new companion may or may not be is right now! Throughout the lifespan of the revival we’ve seen a number of personalities join the Doctor aboard his travels – each and every one of them earning the affections of millions of fans worldwide. Perhaps the biggest hints in trying to establish what sort of character will grace our screens in the future can only be found through looking backwards and identifying what grounds the show has already covered. The clearest thing that we should be looking out for is a diversity and difference between the attitudes, personalities and origins of past companions and the possibilities of future characters. Today, caught up in the hype and excitement of knowing nothing, I’ve chosen 6 actors who I believe not only have the proper requirements to break the mould, but also who I personally would love to see accompany Peter Capaldi into series 10 and beyond.

Zawe Ashton

There are only a handful of one story characters that at the time of their first debut exhibit a certain charm which triggers hopes for a future return. A smaller selection however are characters that, while not revisited on the show, remain your mental ‘go-to personality’ when picturing a future companion. For me, this character is “Into the Dalek’s” Journey Blue. Long time readers may remember my initial fondness for the character expressed in an article two years ago entitled “Taking a Journey Into the Future” in which I explored how her’s was a character driven, angry and determined without discounting a warmer sensitivity that she’s had to bury – easily becoming the emotional centre of the episode despite simultaneously exhibiting a tougher exterior.

Instead of reiterating the potential Journey has as a character, today I’d like to focus instead on the further abilities of Zawe Ashton – to whose broader work I’ve had the chance to become more familiar with in the last few months. Having watched both “Fresh Meat” and “Not Safe for Work” (two series where Ashton held lead roles) it become clear that her talents transcend that of pure drama, and given the chance could be very capable with comedic material. Though somewhat inappropriate in terms of strengths for Journey’s character, what this does allow for is an insurance of Ashton’s broad range as well as extending the narrative opportunities for the character that could see a growing trust with the Doctor break down some of the walls Journey has put up to isolate herself following her brother’s death.

Tina Desai

Next on our list is Bollywood actress and former model Tina Desai, who’s made a name for herself internationally over the last few years starring prominently in both British and American productions. My first exposure to Tina’s talents were through her starring role alongside a list of acting royalty in both “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and its equally successful 2015 sequel in the role of Sunaina. Though immediately likable in the role, it wasn’t until I came across her lead performance as Kala in Netflix’s “Sense8” that I was totally blown away by what the actress had to offer.

In the show Desai plays Kala, a pharmacist living in Mumbai uneasy about her marriage to a rich husband whom her parents adore. Throughout the first series, the personal development her character undergoes is without equal among its extended cast – and Desai rises to every challenge and scenario that thrown at her with ease. The first main attraction to the actress is her ability to portray her character so sincerely – effortlessly balancing levels of curiosity, self-reliance, humility and sorrow to produce a truly well-rounded character. Second is the emotional investment Kala takes in the lives of her family and her fellow ‘sensates’ – and how Desai in her performance avoids being overly melodramatic and instead is extremely realistic and genuine in her portrayal of grief and lost love. Finally, though not a deciding factor in her appeal – there’s no secret what a score for diversity the possibility of Tina’s casting would be, featuring not only an actress of non-European dissent but also offering a chance for an actress of Indian heritage to earn one of TV’s most coveted roles and helping to ease the horrendous lack of representation there is for Indian actors in the media.

Charlotte Ritchie

Continuing through my own personal wish list today we have the up and coming star Charlotte Ritchie, who in the last few years has seen her career take off to great heights. Holding a lead role in both BBC3’s “Siblings” and Channel 4’s “Fresh Meat”, Ritchie has entertained audiences without fail with her charm, comic timing and natural ability to make the most of whatever storyline or character development she’s been given.

However rewarding her roles in both the aforementioned comedy shows were, for me the real showcasing of her range and ability as more than just a ‘funny uptight character’ came when she was cast in BBC’s “Call the Midwife” as Nurse Barbara Gilbert in the fourth series of the hit show following Jessica Rayne’s departure. Though somewhat sidelined for most of her first series, it was clear from the offset that Ritchie had a solid understanding of her character. This year however, throughout the fifth series that is currently airing on BBC1, there’s been a notable increase in Barbara’s prominence: involved in a chaotic love triangle and a number of side-plots including having to prematurely induce a mother’s labour in order to allow her dying husband to meet his child. Through every challenge Ritchie’s character has faced, the strength of her portrayal and acting ability has been stressed time and time again which leaves me in no doubt of her competencies across a number of genres.

Laura Maine

Yet another “Call the Midwife” connection (and hopefully the last before this article becomes even more of a tribute to the stunning BBC Drama) – the next talented woman worthy enough to steal a spot on my list today is actress Laura Maine. Admittedly, Maine is an actress I’m not as experienced with given I’ve only seen her work in one show, nevertheless she remains in my mind a confident and favourable candidate. The journey that Maine’s character ‘Shelagh Turner’ undertakes throughout the series is among the most complex, layered and emotionally charged storylines on TV in recent years – and it is her portrayal that has maintained audience investment over the last 4 years. Her passage is one that begins with a deep inner conflict and transitions from eventual heartbreak to a joyful acceptance of her own vocation.

Maine’s tackling of such intense themes such as grief, self discovery, guilt and acceptance are done with such elegance and respect that it’s hard to not instantly admire her character and value her portrayal. Despite the mass of responsibilities that fall upon her character, Main is adamant to fit in a certain charm and buoyancy to keep the spirit of the show afloat. It’s this elegance that I feel would offer such a different but favourable attitude for a new companion – with Maine having proven her capabilities to tackle a character that has an infectious passion for life, but also a maturity that would make it easy to establish herself next to Capaldi’s Doctor. Also – never say no to more Scots on board the TARDIS!

Gemma Chan

Another incredibly strong choice in our countdown today is rising star Gemma Chan. Not a stranger to the world of Sci-Fi, many may recognise her primarily from her work in the electrifying Channel 4 Drama: “Humans”. I cannot stress how blown away I was by Chan’s work in the series and can say with utter certainty that her effortless approach to a role that demanded so much of her as an actress both physically and emotionally was beyond compare. Aside from “Humans”, Gemma has also proven her worth through a number of substantial appearances in British shows such as “Fresh Meat”, “Secret Diary of a Call Girl”, “Death in Paradise”, “The IT Crowd” and “Dates”. She also played quite a major role in the Sherlock episode “The Blind Baker” portraying Soo Lin, which was written by Who-alumni Steve Thompson. In addition to this, Gemma will also be featuring in the Harry Potter Spin-off film “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” in an unnamed role later this year.

Now of course no matter how much I would have tried to avoid it, the fact that Gemma Chan has appeared in Doctor Who before would have always found its way into the discussion. Personally, I’ve never been bothered by actors playing numerous roles and have occasionally felt that the obsession with having something as mundane as ‘Double Casting’ be justified within the universe of the show somewhat tedious. Having said that, I believe that Gemma’s previous role in “The Waters of Mars” is minor enough to be ignored without having any lasting ties to her possible future on the show.

Antonia Thomas

Long time readers and commenters would have easily been able to guess my final choice to follow in the footsteps of Jenna Coleman, due to numerous mentions in the past. Antonia Thomas is, for me personally at least – everything one could hope for in a new companion. Doctor Who has a tradition for plucking rising stars rather than big names, and despite her prominent role in “Misfits” a few years ago now, Thomas definitely fits that bill. In her work as Alecia in the thriller (as well as in her appearances on “The Musketeers” and “Scrotal Recall”), Thomas has exhibited a certain vulnerability, charisma and cheek that’s integral to the role of the companion. On top of this she’s also shown her ability to tackle and adapt to various different characteristics and environments. Across all her work there remains a constant ambition, energy and level of professionalism that I feel makes up a solid list of prerequisites for any potential companion.

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At the end of the day, regardless of the fact that there’s a slim chance any of my own personal choices will even have been considered for the next companion – if history has taught us anything it’s that the best thing we can do is put our complete trust in the team behind the show to make the best choice. Given the array of talent we’ve been blessed with over the last 11 years alone, it’s clear that we’ve never truly been let down in terms of casting… and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.