Indira Varma will return to the Whoniverse in Doctor Who Series 14!

Varma previously played Suzie Costello in spin-off series, Torchwood, a part which involved her… well, dying quite a bit. Fortunately, it’s hard to keep Suzie down, and Indira returned to the part for Big Finish’s audio range. And Varma now steps aboard the TARDIS, this time in her new mysterious role as the Duchess.

Yes, the Duchess sounds like a Time Lord name. It has also sparked rumours that she will play — of course! — the Rani. It’s always the Rani. Despite the fact we’ve not seen the character on TV since the 1980s.

Varma has starred in a whole host of popular shows including Luther (which also starred Eighth Doctor actor, Paul McGann), Game of Thrones, and, most recently, the thriller series Obsession. She’s also been seen in Disney+’s record-breaking Star Wars series, Obi-Wan Kenobi; perhaps pertinent, given that the next series of Doctor Who will stream around the world on the platform.

Speaking of joining Doctor Who, Indira Varma says:

“I’m thrilled to be in Doctor Who and particularly excited to be crossing cosmic paths with Ncuti [Gatwa] as the Doctor, and look forward to creating interplanetary mischief with him. I loved playing Suzie Costello for Russell T Davies in Torchwood so am thrilled to be entering this world again.”

Showrunner, Russell T Davies says:

“I’m overjoyed to be reunited with Indira after our Torchwood days, and this part is truly spectacular! A whole new audience will be hiding behind the settee when the Duchess unleashes her terror.”

Okay, she’s the Rani, isn’t she? (Is she?)

Doctor Who Series 14 will air in 2024.