Doctor Who season 15 (or season 2 officially) finally has a release date and there's not long to wait.
There's also a new addition to the TARDIS, Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu). Plus Emmy Award winner Alan Cumming is among the guest stars.
There's a new eight-episode run set to hit our screen shortly. And here's what our intergalactic time spies have gleaned about the new episodes...
Doctor Who season 15 release date
Doctor Who season 15 will officially launch on Saturday 12 April at 8 am on BBC iPlayer and later that day on BBC One in the UK. At the same time, those outside of the UK can watch the Doctor and Belinda on their epic adventures on Disney Plus where available.
Who will be the new companion now Millie Gibson has left as Ruby?
Well, despite what looked like an emotional final goodbye at the end of the last episode of season 14, Empire of Death, we haven't seen the last of Ruby Sunday. However, as the Doctor said (or sung, actually) there's always a twist in the tale.
Last April saw the announcement of a new companion for season 15, with Varada Sethu — who was seen as marine Mundy Flynn (above) in the episode Boom in 2024 — confirmed to be traveling with the 15th doctor in the new series. She plays new companion Belinda Chandra.
However, we haven’t seen the last of Ruby, with Russell confirming that Millie Gibson will be back in the new series: “We’ll see the three of them together — three people travelling in this Tardis fighting evil!” he says.
However, just now many episodes each of the actresses will feature in is yet to be confirmed.
What will be the plot of Doctor Who season 15?
Well, while the finale of Season 14 answered a lot of the questions set up over that run, fans did feel some things were still left hanging or needed more explanation.
So, expect to see Ruby’s parentage explored again, especially with the news late in the final episode of Season 14 that they had discovered the name of her dad.
“There are really crucial stories for Ruby to come and her family — the story of that family hasn’t finished yet,” promises Russell. “Which will all make sense when you see it.”
There’s also the mysterious Mrs Flood, whose knowledge of events seems far reaching for an elderly neighbour on an ordinary street. And we’re promised we’ll get some answers on that in the news series.
"I can promise you reveals, I can promise you astonishing reveals and a lot of fun with her as well,” says Russel. “[Anita Dobson] is so much fun to work with, so good times with Mrs Flood to come!"
Meanwhile, Anita herself confirmed that we’ll be having some revelations around her character.
“You do actually find out quite a lot about her,” she says “That'll be interesting, to see what people think,"
While the arc surrounding the Gods, which included The Celestial Toymaker, Maestro and, of course, the biggest bad Sutekh, seemed to be over by the end of the previous series, don’t be surprised if it still has some influence over the next series.
Doctor Who season 15 cast
Ncuti Gatwa is returning as the Doctor. Hooray! Elsewhere, reports of filming on location seem to suggest there is a big earth-set story in the new series, involving UNIT, the organization the Doctor often hooks up with then he pops back to his favourite planet.
Vanessa Redgrave aka Kate Lethbridge Stewart has been spotted filming, while Russell confirmed that Ruth Madeley would be back as scientific advisor Shirley Bingham, after the character failed to feature in the season 14 finale.
Meanwhile, Bonnie Langford [Melanie Bush] has been spotted on set.
Who is new to Doctor Who season 15?
The show has always been very good at keeping its guest stars under wraps until they are ready to announce them as the publicity drive commences for the new season.
However, one of the guest stars has been revealed and that is Jonah Hauer-King, star of Disney’s live-action version of The Little Mermaid.
Rumors are that this character — named Conrad — is a love interest for Ruby. However, he also seems involved in some political or similar organization, with posters spotted during filming emblazoned with slogans such as “Conrad sees our hard work."
Could Ruby be heading for heartbreak if her new love turns out to be some power-crazed villain or an alien threat?
We also know that Emmy Award winner Alan Cumming will guest star in the second episode as Mr Ring-a-Ding. The BBC teases: "He's a happy, funny, singalong cartoon, who lives in Sunny Town with his friend Sunshine Sally. However, in 1952, after years of repeats in cinemas across the land, Mr Ring-a-Ding suddenly looks beyond the screen and sees the real world outside — and the consequences are terrifying."
Plus Rose Ayling-Ellis will feature in the new series. Rose says: "I loved Doctor Who when I was growing up, so being cast in the show was a dream come true. My inner child is ecstatic with excitement! Working with Russell and filming alongside the talented cast and crew has been an incredible experience. Ncuti is a wonderful Doctor, and I can't wait for audiences to see what we have created together."
Also, guesting is Slow Horses actor Christopher Chung. He says: "I'm absolutely thrilled to step into the Whoniverse as Cassio for Season 2! This show is legendary, and getting to be part of this new era feels surreal. Working with Russell and Ncuti has been a dream! This episode is huge — packed with everything Who fans love: heart, adventure, and a touch of madness. I can't wait for everyone to see what's in store — it's going to be iconic. Get ready!"
Will there be a season 16 of Doctor Who?
OK, steady on folks, let’s get this season out of the gate first, shall we? But with Doctor Who one of the BBC’s biggest shows, it seems likely the series is set to continue, and Russell confirming he’s already started on scripts.
“I’m working on the fourth script now for season three [aka 16],” he says. “It’s not actually commissioned, that’s still up in the air. But that’s the same for every TV programme. I shouldn’t say we’re confident, because that’s asking for a fall, but we’re very confident, to be honest.”
But there are some doubts about the show's future with The Times reporting that there's no agreement yet. Of course, a good performance by season 15 would greatly enhance the chances of future series.
Is there a trailer?
Yep, here you...
For more on Doctor Who see What To Watch's dedicated Whoniverse page.
Doctor Who is now airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Disney Plus elsewhere.
