X Files' Gillian to play Doctor Who baddie?

X Files' Gillian to play Doctor Who baddie?
X Files' Gillian to play Doctor Who baddie? (Image credit: PA Wire/PA Photos)

Gillian Anderson is reportedly being lined up to play an enemy of the Time Lord in Doctor Who. Well known to science fiction fans, the actress who played FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in The X Files is likely to take on the part of the renegade Time Lady The Rani opposite the new Doctor Matt Smith, according to the Daily Express. A source told the newspaper: "The team behind the show are keen for the next Doctor to have lots of new enemies and Gillian would be a glamorous and impressive addition to the list." Gillian, 40, will follow in the footsteps of Kate O'Mara who played the role of The Rani, an alluring scientific mastermind the 80s. The insider said: "Gillian obviously has a massive sci-fi following and it's felt that it would be a major coup to have her appear in Doctor Who. "The Rani would be a perfect role for her as the character used to be regarded as one of the Doctor's most deadly opponents." Get exclusive access to your favourite stars. Subscribe to TV Times magazine

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.