Bonnie Langford open to Doctor Who return

Actress Bonnie Langford has said she would ‘love’ to return to Doctor Who if asked.

The actress played companion Mel Bush between 1986 and 1987 making her first appearance in the Terror of the Vervoids segment of Trial of a Time Lord opposite Colin Baker. Langford remained in the role when Sylvester McCoy took over but departed at the end of his first season in the story Dragonfire which introduced Ace (Sophie Aldred) as the last companion of the original series. Langford’s involvement at Doctor Who was at a time when the BBC sci-fi series was facing difficulties behind the scenes with the corporation clearly having fallen out of love with the series and wanted rid of it.

In a recent interview with the Press Association the actress was open about returning to Doctor Who believing it would give her the opportunity to flesh out her character more. ‘I’d love it because I might get a few lines other than, ‘Oh Doctor!’ That was what I was always like. Now the companions are rounded characters, which is always so much more fun to play. But I had a good time doing it. I have good memories of the people I worked with. The show used to attract an amazing cast. When you look at all the notable people who’ve been guests on that programme over the years, it’s quite extraordinary. It’s a legend, a national treasure.’

Langford has reprised the role of Mel for several audio adventures, alongside Sylvester McCoy and Colin Baker, produced and released by Big Finish. The audios have indeed fleshed out the character and given her more depth – beyond her obsession with fitness which was one of the more defining aspects of Mel on television.

If you could bring back a companion from the original series – for the 50th anniversary perhaps – which one would you choose and why? Post your suggestions below.

(Via the Doctor Who Newspage)