‘Doctor Who’: New companion could be ‘EastEnders’ actress Rakhee Thakrar
“Doctor Who” is looking for a new companion now that Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) has left, and it appears there’s already one strong contender for the role. “EastEnders” star Rakhee Thakrar has ignited DW rumours when she retweeted a news story in February about possible companions, which included her name.
The 32-year-old English actress recently retweeted a Radio Times article, which was published in February, about who could replace Clara, the now-deceased but still very much alive companion of the 11th and 12th Doctors (Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi respectively). Thakrar’s name was one of the options.
Thakrar’s retweeting of the article wouldn’t be suspicious on its own. After all, it might not mean anything as she could just be glad that she was considered for the coveted role. However, there are also accompanying reports that she could indeed become the Doctor’s next companion.
“According to a source, auditions are poised to begin for the part with Thakrar – who won plaudits from the soap’s producers and fans – in line for an audition with the producers,” Radio Times reports. Thakrar left the UK soap “EastEnders” in February, which means her schedule is open if ever she lands the DW role.
Not counting Mickey Smith (Noel Clarke), who was only an occasional companion to the 9th and 10th Doctors (Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant), the first non-white companion in the show was Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), who left the show after one season in 2007. If Thakrar becomes the next companion, she will be the second non-white main cast.
There has been no comment from the BBC about the casting. If indeed Thakrar gets the role, she might just stay for only one season. According to reports, the UK series is up for a major overhaul after season 10. Not only is showrunner Steven Moffat handing the reins over to “Broadchurch” creator Chris Chibnall, Capaldi is also apparently leaving the show. With Capaldi gone, Chibnall would be free to start anew.
Meanwhile, Whovians shouldn’t expect “Game of Thrones” star Maisie Williams to return to the show. The 18-year-old actress shot down reports that her character Ashildr/Me will be visiting the Doctor next season.
