Varada Sethu Joins The Ranks of Doctor Who Companions
In the ever-evolving world of Doctor Who, the introduction of new characters often comes with the promise of fresh adventures and riveting dynamics. The latest addition to this iconic series is the character Belinda Chandra, played by talented actor Varada Sethu. As the Doctor's newest companion, Belinda is set to accompany the Fifteenth Doctor, portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa, in the much-anticipated 2025 season.
Fans might recognize Sethu from her former role as Mundy Flynn in a 2024 episode titled 'Boom!'. The intriguing part? Her character Belinda has a mysterious genetic link to Mundy Flynn, though the showrunners are keeping the specifics under wraps for now. It’s a unique twist that promises to add depth to the storyline. As described by the production team, Belinda exudes qualities of being quick-witted, brave, and strikingly independent—traits that ensure she often clashes with the Doctor’s choices.
An Unexpected Return and Familiar Faces
Varada herself was taken aback by her return to the series. In her words, 'I thought it was a closed door... It was a total surprise!' It's always fascinating when actors reprieve their roles in new lights, and Sethu’s comeback is one that fans are certainly eager to see. Alongside Varada’s Belinda, the series also welcomes back Millie Gibson’s Ruby Sunday, a companion who had successfully established herself in previous episodes.
The Doctor's second season will feature multiple companions once again, a mold effectively utilized during Jodie Whittaker’s stint as the Doctor. Showrunner Russell T Davies has teased that the 2025 season will be packed with higher stakes, demanding the collective efforts of the Doctor, Belinda, and Ruby. This setup promises an array of intricate plots filled with unexpected twists.
Outside the TARDIS, Varada Sethu has built an impressive resume. She’s known for her engaging roles as Cinta Kaz in Star Wars: Andor, DS Harper Weston in Annika, and Lance Corporal Manisha Chetri in Strike Back. Varada’s diverse acting experiences are sure to bring a unique flair to her role in Doctor Who, heightening the excitement for what's next in this beloved franchise.
As the 2025 season approaches, scheduled to air on BBC One and Disney+ in the U.S., viewers are primed for what's promised to be a season full of 'twists and turns' and 'big shocks'. The anticipation builds, and with such a promising cast and crew at the helm, Doctor Who fans around the world are in for a thrilling ride through space and time.
