Doctor Who: 10 Things Fans Want From Series 9 (But Won't Get)

1. The Return Of A Former Companion

Eagle-eyed fans will have spotted photographs of various former companions posing with Peter Capaldi on the new Tardis set, including Louise Jameson (Leela), Katy Manning (Jo Grant) and Frazer Hines (Jamie). Although they are in their civvies and clearly not involved in Series Nine it hasn't stopped fans from speculating that one or more could be set for a comeback. The return of an old companion features as number 5 in a top ten list of what readers of Doctor Who Magazine would most like to see in the next series. Top of most fans' wish list is Carole-Anne Ford as Susan Foreman. The actress has made no secret of the fact that she would jump at the chance to reprise the role of Susan. In all the speculation about the identity of Maisie Williams' character, who in the Series Nine trailer says to the Doctor "what took you so long, old man?" Susan Foreman, the Doctor's granddaughter is a popular suggestion. But chances are she will be a new character; one introduced earlier in the story the clip was taken from. The best way to honour the illustrious past and talented actors of Doctor Who is to take the show forward into imaginative and daring new directions. It is only two years ago that the show went into overdrive in deference to the past - rightly so given the 50 years landmark. But now it's time to move on. As Steven Moffat nears the end of his tenure, his focus will no doubt be upon ensuring the continued longevity of the show. He is reluctant to even bring back his own creations such as John Barrowman's Captain Jack and Alex Kingston's River Song, pointing out that they would only return if a story warranted it. Speaking to Zap2It last December he said their return is "never, ever closed off. It's all about 'Do you have a story that's worth it?' Unless you've got a story that is absolutely informed and invigorated by their presence, just bringing a character back in an ordinary story won't do. Both River Song and Jack Harkness are massive characters in Doctor Who mythology. Their returns would have to be seismic, not routine. Giving them anything less would be a disservice to the characters and the actors who brought them to life. Besides, it€™s better to let them be missed than wear out their welcome, right?" How much more would that apply to the Doctor's first companion? It's certainly not something that could be done quietly, without bags of advance publicity. While fans continue to wish for the old in the new, Big Finish is pleasingly reversing the trend by bringing the new into the old, with classic Doctors and companions set to face off against new series monsters in a forthcoming audio series. But if it's old companions you are looking for, then that's the most likely place you'll find them.