After widespread rumours, the final scenes of The Interstellar Song Contest saw Anita Dobson's Mrs Flood bi-generate as the Rani, with Panjabi playing her counterpart.
But, this time around, the Doctor Who team wanted to cast an Indian actress, acknowledging that "Rani" is a Sanskrit word and name meaning "Queen".
"I think it was vital to cast an Indian person as the Rani. Let's face it, I'd cast Archie Panjabi as anything! But Phil Collinson had worked with her on Sea of Souls and it helps when someone has worked with an actor before.
"She was straight in! She dived into it and knew of Kate O'Mara and the history. She was an instant yes and an absolute joy to work with."
“I rewatched the episodes and what stood out was this incredible strength and presence,” Panjabi said.
Panjabi's Rani was ultimately destroyed by Omega in the season finale, The Reality War, leaving Mrs Flood's incarnation alive.
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