So, we're into our final eight now here on the I'm With Geek Doctor Who Companion Faceoff. Today, rather than talking about the companions or giving you a little clip, we're going to talk briefly about the actors behind those companions (only briefly - we've got another article coming up soon!), and then give you the chance to vote. In today's Faceoff, we've got Romana vs Rory, and Susan vs Amy.
BBC Romana (Mary Tamm, Lalla Ward): Romana, being a Time Lady, was played by more than one actress. The first actress in the role, Mary Tamm, had appeared in a few films before being cast, including The Odessa File and spinoff The Likely Lads. Convinced into playing the role after assurances that Romana would be the Doctor’s equal, she quit after one series after one too many screaming scenes. After Doctor Who, Mary Tamm had a fairly typical British acting career, appearing as a regular in Brookside, Eastenders and cameoing in Casualty, The Bill and Poirot, amongst other shows. Tamm sadly passed away in 2012 from cancer.
Her successor in the role of Romana was Lalla Ward. Ward had already appeared on Doctor Who as Princess Astra, during Tamm’s time in the TARDIS, but this was explained away on-screen as Romana choosing Astra’s form during her regeneration. She had quite a wide career before Doctor Who, but is probably sadly best known amongst fans for her short marriage to Tom Baker. Ward has only acted in Big Finish Doctor Who productions since 1992, following her marriage to Richard Dawkins (another Who connection – they were introduced by script editor and science fiction author Douglas Adams).
Her successor in the role of Romana was Lalla Ward. Ward had already appeared on Doctor Who as Princess Astra, during Tamm’s time in the TARDIS, but this was explained away on-screen as Romana choosing Astra’s form during her regeneration. She had quite a wide career before Doctor Who, but is probably sadly best known amongst fans for her short marriage to Tom Baker. Ward has only acted in Big Finish Doctor Who productions since 1992, following her marriage to Richard Dawkins (another Who connection – they were introduced by script editor and science fiction author Douglas Adams).
The Guardian Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill): Before being cast in Doctor Who as Rory Williams, Arthur Darvill was winning acclaim for his performance on stage in Swimming With Sharks (alongside future co-star Matt Smith). But since Doctor Who, he’s appeared in award-winning series Broadchurch (and will be back for the second series), as well as taking to the stage at the Globe for a production of Doctor Faustusand starring on Broadway and in the West End in musical Once (also his mum was Why Bird on Playdays).
Susan Foreman (Carol Ann Ford): Carol Ann Ford, before appearing in Doctor Who, had quite a varied career, appearing in multiple plays and films, including a small role as a blind schoolgirl in The Day of the Triffids. She gained her role in Doctor Who following an appearance on Z-Cars. But following her departure, she found it difficult to find roles that weren’t exactly the same. And then came an accident where she injured her back, was given a drug she was allergic to, and nearly died. The ensuing illness left her at five stone and without a voice. She’s only made occasional appearances since the 1970s, including Doctor Who anniversary shows, and the Big Finish audio plays.
Susan Foreman (Carol Ann Ford): Carol Ann Ford, before appearing in Doctor Who, had quite a varied career, appearing in multiple plays and films, including a small role as a blind schoolgirl in The Day of the Triffids. She gained her role in Doctor Who following an appearance on Z-Cars. But following her departure, she found it difficult to find roles that weren’t exactly the same. And then came an accident where she injured her back, was given a drug she was allergic to, and nearly died. The ensuing illness left her at five stone and without a voice. She’s only made occasional appearances since the 1970s, including Doctor Who anniversary shows, and the Big Finish audio plays.
Amy Pond (Karen Gillan): Karen Gillan was, quite famously, a model before being cast in Doctor Who (for Nicola Roberts’ make-up line, she of Girls Aloud fame). But by this point, she was already regularly appearing in sketch comedy show The Kevin Bishop Show. Alongside the Muppets Treasure Island star, she played multiple characters, including Katy Perry and Angelina Jolie. She also appeared in Doctor Who as a soothsayer, in an episode which also featured future Doctor Peter Capaldi as a guest star. Since the show ended, she’s been appearing in Hollywood blockbusters (Guardians of the Galaxy), breaking into the American TV market (her turn in Selfie has yet to be seen) and returning to British comedy, joining the third series of Charlie Brooker’s A Touch of Cloth. Thus far, she’s heading for probably the most successful post-Whocareer of any companion.
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So, who makes it through tonight? Will the Ponds make it through yet again?
It's up to you! Let us know in the comments.
And don't forget to visit our store to pick up your own TARDIS operator's licence!
It's up to you! Let us know in the comments.
And don't forget to visit our store to pick up your own TARDIS operator's licence!
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