Doctor Who: 10 (More) Actors Who Could Replace Jenna Coleman
7. Frank Skinner
Why he should be: At times Series 8 felt like it was trying out a number of potential future companions to see how the dynamics would work. It wasnt just trying out new female companions, however, but was looking at potential male companions, too. One of these was Perkins, the chief engineer on the Orient Express in space in Jamie Mathiesons debut episode Mummy on the Orient Express, played by Frank Skinner. The character resonated well with fans and even got an offer to travel with the Doctor, which he ultimately turned down. However, fans would love to see Perkins back, especially if it meant that Mathieson came back to write the character again as could happen, and the character being uncomfortable with the Twelfth Doctors nature would create a very interesting dynamic between the main characters and play into that dangerous edge Moffat was talking about. Furthermore, Skinner is a huge fan of the show, even putting in a cameo as one of the Dalek operators in Peter Davisons hilarious The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot. According to comments hes made, having to turn down a place on the TARDIS broke his heart. Thats something that will be helpful in Skinners interactions with the fan base as hes just as enthusiastic about the show as all of us. That would also be helpful in Skinner building a rapport with Capaldi, as Capaldi is also a huge fan of the show. Why he shouldnt be: Skinner is more known as a comedian that an actor, part of the duo of Baddiel and Skinner. While he was fine in a guest role part that sketched out with its comedy bits on top of the dramatic requirements, its less certain that hed be able to pull a deeper construction of a character out of the bag, especially one that has to maintain and develop that mistrust of the Doctor as the series main hook for viewers. Theres also the blockade of Perkins actually turning down the role of fixing the TARDIS. This could be harder to write around than other potential companions. Journey Blue was turned down and Psi and Saibra were willing to join up with the Doctor again, so theyve all got more potential as characters who arent reluctant to join the TARDIS. Of course, thats not to say that it couldnt be written around or make good TV. After all, initial companions Ian and Barbara were unwilling travellers and are two of the most memorable companions even fifty one years later. However, writing around this issue and bringing Perkins back would negate the ambiguity and impact of the ending, possibly undoing the Perkins resonant judgement of the Doctors character and potentially damaging one of the standout episodes of Series 8.
