DOCTOR WHO: MICHELLE GREENIDGE
AS CARLA SUNDAY, MICHELLE GREENIDGE JOINS THE PR ESTIGIOUS LIST OF ICONIC DOCTOR WHO MUMS
Were you a Doctor Who fan?
I didn’t watch many episodes when I was growing up and there’s a good reason for that: they frightened the life out of me! I was a bit of a wuss. As I got older and less fearful, my interest grew. I’m a fan. I’d say everyone on the show is, really. It’s an amazing production to work on. It’s iconic.
You played Rosa in Russell T Davies’s It’s A Sin…
I was in awe of the young talent in the room when I had my first read-through – kudos to Andy Pryor, the casting director; he’s a genius. It was there that I met Russell. It was a big deal – you’re meeting one of the biggest men in television, the room is filled with lots of important people, and then there’s me.
I was hugely nervous, but Russell put me at ease straight away. That’s just the way he is – he’s always very warm and welcoming. He wants you to be happy and comfortable and part of the family. If you’re happy, you’ll produce your best work.
Long may he continue running Doctor Who because his talent is off the scale. Aside from that, his enthusiasm and the love that he has is incredible. To be part of any project of his is a true blessing.
How did Doctor Who come your way?
I auditioned. It came out of the blue. I knew instantly that it was an exceptionally special opportunity and I really wanted to nail the job. I feel incredibly blessed to fulfil my childhood dream and to forge my career as an actor because I had a 20-year career working in local government – in the housing department! So to be part of Doctor Who, to be one of the lead characters, has just been awesome. I’m living the dream.
What was it like working with Ncuti Gatwa?
Ncuti was a real inspired choice; he’s exceptional. He has huge charisma. He’s utterly stylish and profound. That makes for the best of Doctors. I’m so happy to have worked with him at the start of his Doctor Who journey. We had a lovely time on set. We laughed, we joked, we messed about, we didn’t take ourselves too seriously. We were all just comfortable in our skin.
And Millie Gibson?
To approach my role, it had to come from a place of real truth, and the definite help was that there was an instant bond between myself and Millie. My first day working with her was on location in Bristol and we just instantly connected. There was no acting involved; as people we gelled. She’s beautiful inside and out, she’s bold and courageous, and yet she’s still so young and gentle.
You got to play two very different sides of Carla. What was that like?
When we see the different version of Carla, we’re looking
