BBC Doctor Who star teases stint as second female Doctor as they make stance clear on Jodie Whittaker role
Annabel Scholey starred as Claire Brown in Doctor Who alongside Jodie Whittaker
BBC
Doctor Who recently returned to screens with its 15th Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa as the leading man.
Annabel Scholey, who recently starred in unique love story Chuck Chuck Baby - which is coming to UK screens this month, starred in the series under Jodie Whittaker's Doctor in 2021, and opened up about her experience on the classic sci-fi show.
Speaking exclusively to GB News about her role as Joanne in musical Chuck Chuck Baby, Scholey also reflected on her role in the hit BBC series.
When asked how it was to work with the first female Doctor as Claire Brown, she replied: "Jodie is a friend of mine since we played sisters in Antigone at The National Theatre in 2011.
"I think she is absolutely fantastic both on and off screen." Hinting at whether she'd step into the role as the second female protagonist, she responded: "Never say never!"
It comes as the latest episodes have faced a strong backlash, with some branding it "woke" and "unwatchable".
The new episodes by Russell T Davies also starred the Doctor's new sidekick Ruby (played by Millie Gibson), and the latest series' style always promised to break away from its predecessors.
The overnight ratings for the BBC One premiere back in May consisted of an underwhelming 2.6 million and 2.4 million per instalment of the doubleheader, according to TV Zone. However, Indira Varma, who also starred in the latest series, has defended the show's new look.
Elsewhere, Scholey has since starred in 2023 film Chuck Chuck Baby, which is celebrating its debut to UK and Irish cinemas this week. Written and directed by Janis Pugh, the film explores love, loss and music set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory.
Set in present day industrial North Wales, Helen (Louise Brealey) spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for a dying mother-figure Gwen. Helen’s world takes an unexpected turn with the return of Joanne.
Annabel Scholey starred as Claire Brown in Doctor Who in 2021
BBC
They were the objects of the other’s unspoken teenage passions 20 years ago. One night, encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game that re-awakens their youthful feelings.
Scholey told GB News: "For me, the character of Jo was a huge chance to explore a different type of role.
"I am from Wakefield in West Yorkshire and relished the chance to play working class northern. Janis Pugh who wrote and directed the film gave me that chance to play against my usual casting which was a real gift.
"I think the story is a beautiful love letter to Janis’ past and also to working class women everywhere. Their strength in community and friendships."
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Opening up on the premise of the show, Scholey explained: "I think middle age for a woman - though I am not quite there yet - is probably the most interesting and complex time.
"We are shifting in huge ways biologically but also emotionally. Whether that’s finding yourself as a mother and working out how to have a career at the same time as keeping a family going or whether it's turning 40 and realising that you want to spend the next part of your life on a different path.
"I personally have never felt more like myself than at this age and although I think the industry is starting to tell these stories, I do of course think that we could go further."
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