In an exciting announcement for Doctor Who fans, the classic companion Leela, portrayed by Louise Jameson, is set to join forces with the War Doctor, played by the late John Hurt, in a new audio drama series from Big Finish. This reunion will take place in the fourth box set of The War Doctor saga, titled Casualties of War, promising a thrilling exploration of Leela’s experiences during the tumultuous Time War.
The announcement, which was met with enthusiastic applause at Big Finish Day 8, confirms the long-speculated return of Leela to the Doctor Who universe during one of its darkest periods. Producer David Richardson shared his excitement about this development, stating, ‘I’d often wondered what became of Leela during the Time War,’ highlighting the compelling narrative potential of placing the resourceful Warrior of the Sevateem within the epic conflict. Richardson emphasized that the War Doctor series provided the perfect opportunity to delve into this unexplored territory, reuniting Leela with the War Doctor, a familiar face now hardened by war.
Louise Jameson’s return to the role of Leela is a significant event for Doctor Who enthusiasts. Her portrayal of the savage yet intelligent companion has made Leela a beloved figure in the show’s history. Beyond her initial television appearances alongside Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor, Jameson has consistently enriched the character through numerous Big Finish audio productions. She has starred in The Fourth Doctor Adventures series and the Gallifrey spin-off, showcasing her deep understanding and continued evolution of Leela.
Nicholas Briggs, executive producer at Big Finish, underscored Jameson’s invaluable contribution to the character over the years. He noted, ‘Over the many years of working with us, Louise has brought so much extra depth to the character of Leela,’ recognizing her ability to expand upon Leela’s backstory and Gallifreyan connections. Briggs affirmed that Leela’s involvement in the Time War felt like a natural progression, given her warrior spirit and past experiences. He also echoed the sentiment about John Hurt, praising both actors as genuinely uplifting individuals to collaborate with.
Doctor Who – The War Doctor 4: Casualties of War is scheduled for release in February 2017 and is currently available for pre-order. This audio drama is eagerly anticipated as it promises to weave together the narratives of the War Doctor and Leela against the backdrop of the Time War, a conflict that tested even the most resilient Time Lords. For fans eager to delve deeper into the War Doctor’s saga, Big Finish offers a range of preceding audio dramas, starting with Doctor Who – The War Doctor 1: Only the Monstrous, already available for download. The series continues with Doctor Who – The War Doctor 2: Infernal Devices and Doctor Who – The War Doctor 3: Agents of Chaos, setting the stage for Leela’s impactful return in Casualties of War.
For dedicated listeners, Big Finish provides a special bundle encompassing the entire War Doctor saga, including the prequel box-set Doctor Who: The Eighth Doctor – The Time War. Purchasing directly from Big Finish grants immediate digital access upon CD pre-order. This announcement of Doctor Who Leela joining the War Doctor is sure to excite fans and further enrich the expansive universe of Doctor Who audio dramas.
