Anita Dobson teases the Rani’s return to Doctor Who following Mrs Flood cliffhanger as she talks new role

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Anita Dobson believes people become braver with age. She explains, with a smile, that when she was asked to do Strictly Come Dancing for the third time, a friend challenged her. “You love to dance, so why do you always refuse?” her friend asked. Dobson admitted she was afraid of looking silly, but her friend replied, “At 62, does it even matter?” That’s when Dobson realized she didn’t need to be afraid anymore.

In 2011, she competed on the ninth season of Strictly Come Dancing, lasting until the ninth week – a solid performance. While the competition was nerve-wracking at times, she didn’t let fear hold her back; instead, she used it to motivate her.

Channel 5 is bringing back the spirit of the classic ‘Play for Today’ series with ‘Never Too Late,’ the first in a new collection of one-off dramas. The story follows Cynthia, a lively older woman played by Dobson, who is sent to a retirement home by her daughter (Tracy-Ann Oberman) after a few health scares. Cyn quickly clashes with the strict rules and regulations of the home, and begins to fight for her independence as she faces the challenges of aging.

This play thoughtfully explores themes of life and death, but it’s also surprisingly funny, featuring jokes about runaway snakes, mischievous seniors, and appearances by Nigel Havers. He plays Frank, an old love interest of Cynthia’s who used to be a popular singer in the 60s. The story unfolds with plenty of playful antics, long-held secrets coming to light, and even a few musical numbers.

I immediately called them after reading the script and enthusiastically agreed – it was a definite yes! I was really excited to be involved, especially because the project was offering opportunities to people who might not normally get them. Like other programs in the ‘Plays for Today’ series, ‘Never Too Late’ was specifically commissioned by Channel 5 to support emerging talent working behind the scenes. It’s a great idea, and after watching the plays, you wish the channel had shown a little more confidence in the project and provided a slightly bigger budget.

We made the project happen with very limited resources and a tight deadline, and I was involved in almost every shot. I told myself I was committed for the long haul – I needed to arrive early, work hard, and lead by example. And she absolutely did just that.

Prunella Dobson’s life and career have been defined by bold decisions, starting with her choice to become an actress. She grew up in Stepney, east London, after the war, in a family that struggled financially. Her parents worked in the clothing industry – her father as a cutter and her mother as a seamstress – and there was no history of performing arts in her family.

Despite everything, Anita showed early signs of performing talent. When she was four, a pantomime at the Hackney Empire captivated her so much that her grandfather famously said she had “sawdust in her blood.” She went on to learn tap dancing, participate in talent shows on family vacations, and even worked as a young model for the C&A department store.

You know, watching this film, I kept thinking I missed my calling. I’d always secretly dreamed of being a magician’s glamorous assistant – all the sparkle, the performance, the attention… I just know I’d have been a natural! It’s a silly thought, but it kept popping into my head while watching this, and it kind of captures a certain playful energy the film has, too.

Seeing Marlon Brando and James Mason in the film Julius Caesar on a school trip was a turning point for me. I was captivated by James Mason’s voice and knew right then that I wanted to be able to do the same – to really connect with people, make them think differently, and capture their imagination. He certainly captured mine.

Honestly, my school didn’t offer much in the way of creative subjects. I remember one art class with Mr. Dubowski where we just… stared at a washing machine wringer for ages, trying to paint it. It wasn’t exactly inspiring. I didn’t leave school with a ton of qualifications, and ended up at the Prudential Assurance Company for my first job. Let me tell you, it felt utterly stifling – like being buried alive, really.

Dobson finally realized she’d had enough after working at a tassel factory – not quite as glamorous as it sounds. She eventually went home and told someone, “

I decided I wanted to be an actress. My mum helped me find an acting class. During the day, I worked as a typist to earn money to pay her rent, and in the evenings I joined a local amateur dramatics group. That’s really where my acting journey began.

Dobson took another chance when he joined his amateur dramatics group – run by the Inner London Education Authority – on a trip to Czechoslovakia as part of an exchange program. It was the summer of 1968, and the 19-year-old was eager to perform a new play about life in London’s East End, called Oi! The Musical.

I remember traveling to Prague with my friend Brenda – it was the first time I’d been abroad without my family,” Dobson says. “We arrived at our youth hostel on Wenceslas Square, and almost immediately, the Russians invaded. We woke up the next morning to find the square filled with tanks, and young men around our age were sitting inside with guns. That’s when we realized the seriousness of the situation – we were right in the middle of an invasion.”

The following events felt like something out of a movie – frightening and unreal. They were instructed to reboard their coach and remain silent, avoiding eye contact with anyone, as it drove west while Soviet forces approached from the east. A short stop in one town wasn’t enough, so they continued further west to escape the advancing Communist forces. Eventually, they found refuge in a small village with just two stores – one for groceries and another that sold a variety of other goods. This village became their safe haven and home for the next two weeks.

After twenty years and training as an actress, Anita Dobson decided it was time to leave EastEnders. She departed from her popular role as Angie Watts after three years, right at the peak of the show’s – and her own – success. “I really enjoyed it,” she says enthusiastically. “Angie, whether sad, cheerful, or emotional, was a complex character, and I’m incredibly proud of the part because it helped shape who I am today.”

I’ll never forget a moment I had alone with Roly, our dog, on the pub steps. I found myself confiding in him about my marriage, my struggles, and everything I was going through. As I petted him, I started to cry, and the tears just kept coming. I let them flow, finished the scene, and neither Roly nor I moved. The whole set went completely quiet. In that moment, I realized I’d found the core of the character. Beneath the cheerful, slightly chaotic exterior, the makeup, and the hair, was a deeply wounded person.

It would have been simple to remain with EastEnders, maybe even still be there now, given how successful it was. However, Dobson felt it was time to move on. He was around 35 or 36 and realized he needed to pursue other opportunities if he wanted to grow, learn, and experience new things before it was too late.

She decided to leave EastEnders to pursue acting work. “I’m a working actress,” Dobson explains with a smile. “It’s all about keeping an open mind and seeing what opportunities come along.”

I was so thrilled when I heard about Sophie’s role in Doctor Who! At first, she thought it was just a small part – playing a nosy neighbour called Mrs. Flood. But it turned out to be an amazing surprise for both her and all of us fans – Mrs. Flood was actually the Rani, a powerful and memorable villain originally played by Kate O’Mara! Sophie always said it was a fantastic opportunity, and I completely agree – she really brought that character to life.

The last time we saw Rani, Dobson’s character, she escaped the Doctor after her attempt to take over the galaxy was unsuccessful. When asked if she might return to Doctor Who, she responded that she would accept an invitation from Russell T Davies immediately.

Despite her passion for performing, Dobson has decided to retire from pantomime after fifty years. She’s played roles in numerous productions – including eight Snow Whites, seven Aladdins, and four Dick Whittingtons – but says she won’t be doing another one. It’s not about the money, she explains; she and her husband, Brian May, are financially secure and comfortable together.

She’s been there before and doesn’t want to repeat it. “I can’t go back to performing that way – giving everything I have for so many shows in a row,” she explains. “It just doesn’t feel right, and it’s incredibly tiring for someone my age.” While being bold can open doors, she jokes, it won’t get you climbing magical beanstalks.

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2025-11-04 04:16