Doctor Who’s Sophie Aldred “burst into tears” when asked to return

The actress returned as Ace McShane after 33 years away.

By George Lewis and David Opie

25 Oct 2022

Doctor Who spoilers follow.

Doctor Who star Sophie Aldred has revealed she “burst into tears” when she was asked to return to the show.

The actress, who played Ace McShane opposite Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor, reprised her role for Sunday’s (October 23) ‘The Power of the Doctor’, her first appearance on the show in 33 years.

Speaking to Digital Spy and other press, Aldred recalled being approached for her surprise return, saying: “My agent called and said, ‘Andy Pryor, the casting director of Doctor Who, has been in touch regarding your availability, and we all know what that means’.

doctor who, the power of the doctor, janet fielding, jodie whittaker, sophie alred

James Pardon/BBC Studios

“I ended the phone call and just burst into tears. It was the call that all of us [companions] have been waiting for all these years. I then had a Zoom call with Chris [Chibnall] and he said, ‘Would you do me the great honour of being in the special?’ I was like, ‘Wild horses wouldn’t stop me’.

Aldred, who was the final companion in the series’ first run, said filming the special was “amazing”, praising her fellow cast and crew for making her feel welcome on the set.

“Coming back together this evening, it’s like we’re mates even though we were only there for a few days,” she continued. “It was such a warm, welcoming, wonderful atmosphere – just like it used to be in the old days. It was really lovely.”

BBC

The special, which was Jodie Whittaker’s final appearance as the Thirteenth Doctor, saw other classic companions return in the shape of Mel Bush (Bonnie Langford) and Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding).

Whittaker, who will be replaced in the role by Ncuti Gatwa, said meeting the old guard was “wonderful”, adding: “To be on set with people who’ve paved the way for us to be is a really emotional thing.”

David Tennant was revealed as the Fourteenth Doctor in a surprising twist, with Ncuti Gatwa's first appearance as The Doctor airing in late 2023.

octor Who's next special premieres in 2023 on BBC One in the UK. In the US, the show airs on BBC America, with series 1-12 available on HBO Max. Classic Doctor Who streams exclusively on BritBox in the UK.