RTD interview

This week's thrilling finale to the current series of Doctor Who sees David Tennant’s Doctor locked in combat with his nemesis, the Master, played by Life on Mars star John Simm. We caught up with the show’s supremo, Russell T Davies, to find out more…

Tell us about John Simm’s part in the finale
Well, he’s playing the Master, who’s just about as bad a villain as the Doctor could ever meet – partly because he’s so much like the Doctor, even down to the same sense of humour. The Doctor tends to run rings around Daleks and Cybermen, but this time he’s got an enemy who knows all his tricks. That makes it fun, but genuinely scary too.

What was it like having him on set?
It was such a boost of energy for the whole team. Everyone was galvanised. John had gone to a lot of trouble to make sure he was free for our filming dates, so we were all determined to pay him back for his loyalty by surrounding him with the best production possible. There was a lot of laughter on set when David discovered that John’s screwdriver was bigger than his!

Are there any shocks in store for viewers?
I hope so. It’s hard to know whether stories have been spoilt in advance on the internet, but hopefully no one outside our offices has seen it. However, I can promise that the last episode is extra-special, full of thrills, heartbreak and shocks. Viewers will have a brilliant time.

What can you say about Captain Jack’s fate?
Jack’s been imprisoned by the Master, who loves having someone he can kill every five minutes, only to see him coming back to life. Poor old Jack’s really suffering, but he’s a clever man and he’s got an escape plan.

Does the series end on a cliffhanger?
You’ll just have to watch. But a good few questions are answered and some brand new ones asked.

What’s been your favourite episode in this series?
I can’t answer that. It’s like asking which is my favourite child; I love them all.

Will any old foes return to battle the Doctor in the next series?
One or two. We like to spread the balance between new monsters and the classics from the past. So yes, there are one or two revamps being discussed right now. Keep your eyes peeled over the coming months, because a few of them will be marching through the streets of Cardiff, I expect.

How many more series do you think the show can run for?
Doctor Who lasted for 26 years on its original run, and is now 44 years old. I wouldn’t worry, this show is going to last forever. We’ll be watching it in the year 3000, on hyperchip holograms.

Would you like to be the Doctor and be given the keys to the Tardis?
I’d be a rubbish Doctor. I’d just run away from danger. And I’d misuse the Tardis to go to a planet where everyone looks like the boys from Hollyoaks. But I’d love to travel into the future, just to see everything I’m going to miss one day.