Doctor Who: 10 Actresses Who Could Replace Jenna Coleman
7. Montserrat Lombard
Why she should be next: Another performer from the BBCs vast array of cult hits, having been a regular on Ashes to Ashes, Lombard is a talented actress with experience of acting opposite some of the best actors working in Britain today. Shes held her own on the screen with Philip Glenisters iconic Gene Hunt and provided solid support for Keeley Hawes in the same series. Shes even got previous experience of working with a Doctor, having been in St Trinians 2: The Legend of Frittons Gold alongside David Tennant. This all suggests that shed be comfortable working alongside an actor as talented as Peter Capaldi. She exudes a sense of likeability, a useful trait for any companion to have as it means theyll connect with the audience that bit sooner. Shes got a great range, too, able to play down-to-earth and relatable as well as a bit wacky, so theres vast selection of potential characters she could play and directions the show could take under the guise of this new Doctor/companion dynamic. Shes also got one of the best names in the British acting industry, which is in itself worth casting her. Why she shouldnt be: Again, she has not been the most memorable character from the things shes been in. Glenister overshadowed her in Ashes to Ashes, Rupert Everett and David Tennant did in St Trinians 2, and in The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus shes in it so little its a surprise to see her name in the credits. While this is probably to be expected of someone whos mostly taken supporting roles, and while she can give solid support, it remains to be seen just how well she can handle a lead role, especially on a show as big as Doctor Who. In addition, people from the Life on Mars/Ashes to Ashes universe havent always transferred over well to Doctor Who. Marshall Lancaster was underused in the Gangers two-parter and Keeley Hawes was a bit disappointing in Series 8s Time Heist. Matthew Graham, one of the writers of the series, gave Doctor Who Fear Her, arguably one of the least loved episodes since the revival. While John Simm did manage to capture the hearts and minds of the audience as the Master (with a few naysayers who felt his performance was somewhat over the top), its not an otherwise hugely inspiring record. While its no fault of Lombards in particular, it would be a reason to be nervous about her casting.
