Doctor Who fans deliver verdict on new companion Belinda
Doctor Who introduced Varada Sethu's companion Belinda Chandra to the world this weekend.
In the first episode of the returning sci-fi adventure series (titled 'The Robot Revolution'), which aired on Saturday 12, April, fans witnessed nurse Belinda being abducted by enormous cyborgs and taken back to their star, which happened to be the one an ex-boyfriend bought for her as a romantic gesture.
Here was where she bumped into Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor, but how did Whovians take to newcomer Belinda?
As Belinda's wittiness and strength of character flourished on screen, one BBC viewer wrote on social media site X: "Varada Sethu is a fantastic addition to the series. Her Belinda is a great character and creates a much needed new dynamic with the Doctor. If the setting keeps up she may become one of my favourite companions!!!!"
"I fear this has been the best opener in about 10 years. 10s across the board Belinda is amazing," echoed somebody else.
A third tweet read: "Robot Revolution was such a good episode full of fun and lots of heart. Made me almost burst into tears during Belinda's speech. I love her so much already, I can't wait for next week! Solid series opener! 8/10."
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The praise continued long into the show's hashtag...
Varada Sethu could have a breakthrough playing Belinda because that episode proved she was FANTASTIC #DoctorWho
— Daniel (@d_loughins) April 12, 2025
Already loving Belinda #DoctorWho
— Daniels mummy ❤🌺 (@NikkiABoleyn) April 12, 2025
That was legit one of the best episodes of #DoctorWho I've seen! The cinematography, lighting, set design all !! 💋Varada Sethu as Belinda was phenomenal! And is already tearing up to be one of my favorite companions!I love how she doesn't take BS from the doctor!! pic.twitter.com/eZLupTMcMm
— D.T. (@ioooggifs) April 12, 2025
I really enjoyed that episode.....it bodes well.As for Belinda, I've warmed to her very quickly....she's already fixing to be the best companion in quite a while.#DoctorWho
— Noreen (@Norz76) April 12, 2025
BELINDA CHANDRA I LOVE YOU #DoctorWho
— cam/cj 🍉 (@_larspinfield) April 12, 2025
At the time of her casting, the actress shared in a statement: "I feel like the luckiest person in the world. It is such an honour to be a part of the Whoniverse, and I'm so grateful to the whole Doctor Who family — because that is what they are — for welcoming me with open arms and making me feel so at home.
"I couldn't ask for a better team than Ncuti and Millie [Gibson] to be on this adventure with, this is so much fun!"
Showrunner Russell T Davies also shared: "I first worked with Varada on a BBC production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, and it's a joy to welcome her on board the TARDIS!"
Doctor Who airs Saturdays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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