New Doctor Who star admits: ‘I didn’t understand what I was signing up for’
Michelle Greenidge is experiencing a new level of fame after joining the cast of Doctor Who for the new series.
She first appeared in the Doctor Who 2023 Christmas special, The Church on Ruby Road, an episode that also marked Ncuti Gatwa’s first major appearance as the 15th Doctor and introduced his new companion, Ruby (Millie Gibson).
Michelle starred as Carla in the Christmas Day episode, a foster mother who is also Ruby’s adoptive mum, and she is thrilled to reprise her role for the new season. “I’m so blessed to have been in the position to play Carla and tell that story with Ruby Sunday, because I don’t think there’s enough positive representation about foster families on TV. And I feel extremely blessed that [writer/producer] Russell T Davies has pulled out all the stops to share these stories because they’re important stories that should be told.”
The Yorkshire actress already had an illustrious career before starring in Doctor Who – she appeared in I May Destroy You, the acclaimed Small Axe and is in the upcoming adaptation of Candice Carty-Williams’ best-selling novel Queenie. She is also recognisable for her co-starring roles in the comedies After Life and Mandy, both alongside Diane Morgan. But she admits that nothing has quite prepared her for the attention she has received since appearing with Ncuti and Millie in the famous sci-fi series.
“I really didn’t understand what I was signing up for when I joined the cast,” she laughs. “I know that it’s a phenomenal, iconic show but I didn’t really understand what that actually meant in real terms. My first day, we were shooting on the street in Bristol and the fans came out in droves. I was so shocked, I was not ready for the hundreds of fans that turned out in support of the show. It was mind-blowing.”
She isn’t able to say much about what happens with Ruby and Carla and the Doctor in the new series – or even reveal whether Carla gets to ride in the iconic TARDIS or battle some scary aliens – but she does say a little about what showrunner Russell T Davies has in store for the new episodes.
“I can say we see more of Ruby and Carla’s relationship,” she says, “but I can’t say too much, except you’re in for a treat. Russell has pulled out all the stops. He’s the most amazing storyteller, and it’s not just each episode, which are individually brilliant across the whole series. It’s how the story arcs play into the entire series. I’m really excited
for everybody to see what Russell has rustled up!”
