Classic Doctor Who villain the Rani returns to show played by Archie Panjabi
Emmy Award-winning Panjabi's character, who first appeared in the BBC sci-fi series in 1985 in the Mark Of The Rani episode, has been hiding as Mrs Flood, 'meticulously waiting for her time to face the Doctor', according to producers.
Speaking about taking on the role, Panjabi, 52, said: 'It seems there's been quite a bit of speculation about the Rani's return, and who can blame you?
'Kate O'Mara's portrayal was brilliant, ruthless and unforgettable. Now, under Russell T Davies, she's back- and I'll ask, what in the Whoniverse will we bring to her? Let's just say, you might not be ready.'
Both Panjabi and Dobson will appear in the two-part series finale Wish World and The Reality War, which will see the Doctor and the Rani go head to head in a battle, which it is said will 'send shockwaves through the Whoniverse'.
Showrunner Davies said: 'Ncuti (Gatwa) always said he wanted to face the Rani, so after 32 years, she's back.
'It's an honour to work with Archie – I've been a fan for years, and what a joy, to see her twinned with Anita Dobson. It's the greatest threat the Doctor has ever faced, and there are even more villains to come.'
The Rani last appeared on screens in a 1993 BBC Children In Need special of the show called Dimensions In Time, which saw the Doctor's Tardis land in Albert Square for a crossover between Doctor Who and EastEnders.
Wish World will launch on Saturday, May 24, on BBC iPlayer at 8am, while The Reality War will premiere simultaneously on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday, May 31, as well as in more than 450 cinemas across the UK and Ireland.
Panjabi is known for her roles as Zahra Gahfoor in Hijack, Kendra Malley in Departure, and Kalinda Sharma in The Good Wife, for which she won a Primetime Emmy award.
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