Doctor Who spin-off star teases romantic plot and reveals more about her “regal” character Salt

Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who is preparing to appear in the new spin-off series of Doctor Who, hinted that the show will include a romantic plotline.

Next year, a conflict titled “The Battle of Land and Sea” is set to unfold, depicting a turbulent Earth scenario where creatures from the depths called Sea Devils ascend from their oceanic homes to engage in war against humankind.

The actress is set to play Salt, an amphibian who she describes as having “a very regal presence”.

According to ScreenRant, Mbatha-Raw expressed her admiration for Russell T Davies’ writing skills, stating that the story has multiple dimensions – it involves romance and explores the theme of two distinct worlds.

It seems likely that the love story unfolds between Mbatha-Raw’s character Salt and Russell Tovey’s character Barclay, an ordinary man who finds himself in the midst of efforts to prevent a conflict.

Moreover, Tovey has shared insights about the upcoming series, emphasizing that it will predominantly focus on climate change as a pivotal theme.

In a captivating discourse at the Edinburgh TV Festival, I eagerly shared my thoughts: “This narrative unfolds within our very own realm. The looming threat of climate change cannot be overlooked; it demands a more significant presence in our artistic creations to foster a deeper comprehension of its consequences.

Tovey explained his character thusly: “He’s the story of an individual who initially works as an office clerk booking taxis, but through a chain of events, rises to become a significant figure globally. He must grapple with this newfound importance and comprehend its implications.

And indeed, in a manner reminiscent of Doctor Who, he’s preserving the planet. It was an absolute pleasure to portray this ordinary individual who finds himself in his late 30s or early 40s and unexpectedly feels that this is the life he had always imagined for himself.

This fills me with immense pride, yet also leaves me trembling with fear and exhilaration. I hope it serves as an inspiration, giving people the sense that change is always possible and the struggle isn’t over. It’s not just something I created; it feels like a living, evolving entity.

The War Between the Land and the Sea will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2026.

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2025-09-08 21:04