The BBC talk to Matt and Karen about Series 6 Part 2
Matt Smith
With viewers still reeling from the shocking news that River Song is actually Amy and Rory’s baby, Bafta-nominated actor, Matt Smith, provides a sneak-peek at what is coming up in the new episodes of Doctor Who.
“I thought it was brilliant because it’s such a great science fiction pay-off,” explains Matt as he reveals how he felt when he learnt the truth about River Song. “Steven Moffat set it up so well and it now leaves the story open to go in so many different directions. She’s Amy and Rory’s daughter which is mad, but yet brilliant, and it’s going to be really interesting to see how the dynamic between all of the characters shifts.”
Despite Melody Pond being kidnapped at the end of A Good Man Goes To War, Matt says viewers can rest assured that Alex Kingston, who plays River Song, will be back and there are more shocks in store. “We get to learn a lot more about River in Let’s Kill Hitler” he explains, “and she’s on her best flirty form; the River I love! It’s certainly Alex’s episode and we had great fun filming the scenes, so hopefully we have some good on-screen chemistry.”
New monsters are also set to make an appearance, sending children and adults alike scuttling behind the sofa in true Doctor Who style. “I think it’s fantastic the way the show can tap into people’s primal fears as children” says Matt, specifically referring to Mark Gatiss’s episode Night Terrors. “Mark has come up with a really clever idea by featuring a dolls house with terrifying and creepy dolls – it’s a brilliant adventure-packed episode and Danny Mays, who guest stars, is superb in it.”
The Tin Tin actor isn’t the only high-calibre guest artist to secure a role in Doctor Who. Upcoming episodes also feature funny men David Walliams and James Corden. “James reprises his role as Craig, who appeared in The Lodger last year,” explains Matt. “He’s back in an episode which also features the Doctor’s arch enemies, the Cybermen. We had such fun on set; it was hard to keep a straight face when we were filming.
“David Walliams was also hilarious” continues Matt. “He plays a character called Gibbis and he had to wear a lot of prosthetics for the part. Once he was all made up he looked a lot like a giant Mole, so it was hard to take him seriously!”
However, Matt’s tone does become more serious when talking about the fate awaiting the Doctor…
“The Doctor died at the start of the series” explains Matt. “He was shot in the future by someone in a space suit and, despite the adventures he goes on in these next few episodes, inevitably he’s moving closer towards his own death. Amy, Rory and River are aware of his fate but they have no way of stopping it. I can’t tell you what happens but Steven has set up an explosive finale.”
But can he reveal if his Stetson makes an appearance? “Yes, I can tell you the Stetson is back; I do love a good hat!” chuckles Matt. “The Doctor also has a new coat; a long green moleskin one. We always wanted the Doctor’s outfit to evolve and the coat certainly kept me warm when filming during the winter.
“I still haven’t lost my clumsy streak though,” sighs Matt. “We were filming the final scenes last month in a cornfield and, needless to say, I was the one who tripped over and twisted my ankle!” If only there had been a doctor around…
Karen Gillan
Recently married and now a new mum, a lot has happened in Amy Pond’s world since she joined the Doctor in the TARDIS. However, there is no respite in sight for the feisty redhead as she undertakes a desperate search for Melody Pond and the Doctor’s death edges ever closer. Actress Karen Gillan reveals what viewers have to look forward to.
“I don’t think she’s willing to accept that’s he’s going to die,” reveals Karen as she describes how Amy feels about the Doctor’s impending death. “Amy has such a connection with the Doctor that goes right back to her childhood, so she’s definitely not going to stand by and let him be killed without a fight.
“She’s also trying to come to terms with the fact that River Song is her daughter,” continues Karen. “It’s an interesting idea because Amy’s maternal instincts are kicking in to play with a woman who is actually older than her! However, it’s been brilliant exploring this new relationship dynamic with Alex Kingston who plays River Song. I also think the situation has pulled Amy and Rory closer together; they seem to have a stronger connection now.”
But along with this emotional drama, the new episodes also see Amy, Rory and the Doctor meet a number of weird, wonderful and scary monsters that will send shivers up the spines of even the most hardened Whovians. “The dolls in Night Terrors are extremely freaky!” squeals Karen. “They are really disturbing, especially when they were walking around on set! We’ve also got a monster called the Teselecta in Let’s Kill Hitler which goes back in time to try and right the wrongs of the past.”
Karen also had an interesting experience filming with comedy actor David Walliams. “I’ve only ever met David when he’s been dressed as a mole,” reveals Karen, describing David’s character Gibbis. “He was always on set an hour before me because he had to have prosthetics put on and to this day I’ve never met David looking like David! He was an absolute hoot though,” continues Karen. “He was extremely witty and, to be honest, I’m a bit nervous about meeting him when he’s not in his mole get up!”
But David isn’t the only Doctor Who actor to receive a makeover in the upcoming episodes, Karen also found herself sat in the make-up prosthetics chair. “In The Girl Who Waited I had to spend hours in make-up because I play an older version of Amy. I can’t give too much away but it was great fun – despite the early starts each day! I also got to film an amazing fight sequence for the episode,” reveals Karen. “I had two weapons and had to take on six Handbots. I worked with a stunt co-ordinator who choreographed the scene and I had to do it in one fluid movement. It was actually quite difficult and I take my hat off to people who do that for a living.”
But hang on; is this the same person who Matt Smith describes as wholly unco-ordinated? Karen laughs and says “I’ve proven I can handle complex choreography so I think it’s about time Matt shows us what he can do. Perhaps Mr Moffat can write a tricky sequence for him in the next series and then we’ll see how co-ordinated he is!” she says with a wink. The challenge is on…
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