Our ideas and theories from the new series of Doctor Who

With the premiere of the new season of Doctor Who just around the corner, anticipation is bubbling over among the volunteers here at Newport City Radio. We’ve had weeks of speculation, fan theories, and trailer breakdowns. Now, with just one week to go, it’s time for a second round of thoughts from our resident Whovians.

Daniel Price:

Let’s talk about Belinda. She’s shaping up to be one of the most interesting companions in recent history, and the plotline about getting her home echoes some real classic moments in Who history. It’s hard not to see shades of Ian and Barbara from the very first season, or Tegan Jovanka in the 1980s—both companions that the Doctor had trouble returning to their own timelines.

There’s a revealed plot from the latest Doctor Who magazine in regards to episode one of the latest series, it involves a star being named after Belinda by an ex-boyfriend, only to be ruled by an evil AI. The robots abduct her from present-day Earth in order to force her into a marriage that would save their home. Sounds absolutely bonkers? That’s peak Who!

I also want to add that social media has been abuzz with a possible leak about Mrs Flood’s true identity. One of my original theories might be correct. I won’t say which, but let’s just say that the mystery is far from over.

Jack Cartwright:

As we get closer, I’ve been thinking more about tone. The trailers we’ve had so far paint a very fun, visually exciting series, but I hope there’s some emotional depth too. That shift into serious storytelling halfway through the season could make for a really satisfying arc.

The overall vibe feels like we’re getting a big blend of old and new. The look of the new TARDIS, the return of classic monsters (possibly), and the continuation of more experimental episodes all point to something quite special.

And like Daniel said, if Belinda really is the centre of this season’s arc, then grounding her story in the traditions of past companions will be a clever way to appeal to old and new fans.

Amber Couldrey-May:

With only a week to go, I’ve been thinking about some of the previews that have been popping up on TV: no new clips or information but instead little clips of The Doctor and Belinda infiltrating various other BBC programmes. Shows like The Gladiators, Eastenders and other well known BBC productions. It only makes me think about the “it’s all a TV show theory”. 

Just to recap, a common theory I’ve seen is that The Doctor will figure out that he is but a character in a TV programme: trailers showing him going and meeting other characters just strengthens my belief in that theory. Adding to this, one of the episodes (The Interstellar Song Contest) is an obvious nod to Eurovision, yet another TV programme. 

There have been multiple references to TV programmes within the trailers and with the limited information so far about the actual episodes: Could this be a hint to something upcoming? Or another far fetched theory? We’ll have to see over the next few weeks!

What We Want to See:

• A stronger emotional core for Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor.
• Big answers about Mrs Flood.
• A proper return of the Daleks — but with fresh writing.
• The Master (and that mysterious gold tooth).
• More alien planets and original monsters.

We’re hoping this season balances the epic with the emotional, the weird with the grounded, and the past with the future. And as always, we’ll be here to review, react, and speculate wildly.

See you next week… with spoilers!

Images courtesy of BBC Pictures