An iconic Doctor Who star is returning to the show for its 14th series

Doctor Who star Bonnie Langford is returning to the show for its upcoming 14th series, over three decades after she originally boarded the TARDIS.

The actress, 58, is reprising her role as Melanie Bush for the new series alongside incoming Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, with her return set to hit screens in 2024.

Bonnie made her debut on Who back in 1986 as Melanie alongside the Sixth Doctor Colin Baker, and went onto be the companion for the Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy.

It also comes after the West End star briefly reprised her role in the BBC’s Centenery Special The Power Of The Doctor, last year.

Ncuti will make his debut as the new Doctor in a Christmas Special later this year, after David Tennant reprises the role for a trio of specials to mark the show’s 60th Anniversary in November. 

Back to the TARDIS! The actress is reprising her role as Melanie Bush for the new series alongside incoming Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, with her return set to hit screens in 2024

Of her return, Bonnie said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Melanie Bush back. 

‘To be part of the exceptional cast, crew and production team led by the force of nature that is Russell T Davies is a career highlight. 

‘I’m so privileged and proud to have been a member of the Doctor Who family since the classic era and to be included in the new generation is phenomenal.’

Showrunner, Russell T Davies said: ‘Open those TARDIS doors wide, because Bonnie’s back! What an honour, delight and hoot to welcome back the character of Melanie, after too long away. 

‘And this isn’t just a cameo, Bonnie is right in the thick of the action, battling monsters and chaos and cliffhangers, right at the Doctor’s side, just like the old days.’

Making her West End debut at just seven years old in Gone with the Wind at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Bonnie has since gone on to lead an outstanding career. 

She’s had countless performances on both Broadway and West End, such as Chicago, 9 to 5 and Cats, to her award-winning role as Carmel Kazemi on EastEnders. 

Joining Ncuti’s Doctor in the TARDIS will be his companion Ruby Sunday, played by Coronation Street star Millie Gibson.

Dynamic duo! Bonnie made her debut on Who back in 1986 as Melanie alongside the Sixth Doctor Colin Baker

Adventure! She then went onto be the companion for the Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, before leaving the show in 1986

Cameo! It also comes after the West End star briefly reprised her role in the BBC’s Centenery Special The Power Of The Doctor, last year

The new series marks a brand new era for the show under returning showrunner Russell T Davies, after the departure of Chris Chibnall, and the last Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker, last year.

Bonnie’s last appearance in Who aired back in 1987 when she bid farewell to the Doctor to travel the universe with the rogue Glitz.

It was previously announced that the likes of Jinkx Monsoon and Jonathan Groff will be joining the cast for Ncuti’s upcoming series of Doctor Who.

The Broadway star, 38, who is known for the crime series Mindhunter, was previously announced to be joining the science fiction series.

The BBC said he will play a ‘mysterious and exciting’ guest part where he will be ‘jumping aboard the Tardis’.