Bristol Theatre News

Who is Mrs Flood in Doctor Who? We Find Out At The End Of Season 2

The mysterious character has been causing debate since the start of Doctor Who Series One

Who is Mrs Flood in Doctor Who? has been the Big Question since Anita Dobson broke the fourth wall at the end of the Season 1 Christmas Special The Church on Ruby Road. Turning to the camera with a mischievous glint in her eye, she asked the audience “never seen a Tardis before?”

Scenes with Anita Dobson were filmed on Frederick Place in Bristol
Photo: Chopsy Bristol

Come the end of Season 1 Episode 8 – Empire of Death, Mrs Flood stood on the roof of Ruby Sunday’s home. She wore the most incredible white coat, carried a case and umbrella like a spectacularly kick-ass Mary Poppins.

Anita Dobson even made an appearance at the BBC Proms this summer for the Doctor Who Prom.

This October, she was at the Film and TV Con Cardiff, signing autographs and posing for photographs. She proved to be the most genuinely lovely person as she took time greeting all of her fans.

Dobson also took part in a Q&A about how she got started in acting as well as the significant roles she’s remembered for – Angie Watson – and of course currently, Mrs Flood in Doctor Who.

Who is the mysterious Mrs Flood?
Anita Dobson at the Royal Albert Hall for the Doctor Who Proms 2024

Speaking to an audience of fans she talked about Mrs Flood – which can be seen in the TikTok video below.

Anita says: “At the end of the next series, you will know everything about Mrs Flood. I knew that she was a nosy neighbour, that’s the only kind of missive I had. She was the sort of person that you always see in the street, knows everything, knows everybody’s business, always stops for a chat you know? Very close to my heart.”

“And that was it. Russell or nobody told me anything of what her journey would be so I just went in and played the part. Then he did at the the end of one reading. He said something to me. I thought – where’s this going – but he still wouldn’t tell me. So it wasn’t until the series you’re about to see, that about the third of the way in, after I finally got the scripts, I thought – oh! this is who she is. Can’t tell you of course, but yeah. I finally know where I come from.”

When asked if she got the whole script or just her bit for the sake of secrecy, she said: “You do get the full script. They have to do that otherwise you don’t know how your scene sits in the whole piece. So you do get the full script but they deliver it to you as late as possible. And you have to hand them all in at the end so they can be shredded.

“But I didn’t mind, I kind of quite enjoyed the fact that I was on a journey and I wasn’t being given too much information. So I played literally what was on the script and worked with the directors who are really terrific.

“Sometimes I would learn a scene and think it would be played that way and then I’d get on set and the director would say “what about if we played it like that?”

“So I’d think OK yeah and I’d do it and then gradually, slowly, it sank into my head that she’s not all she seems to be – which you obviously know now. That was quite exciting too. So I thought, just learn your lines, turn up and do what you’re told and gradually, it will come to who this woman is.

“And do you know even at the end of the next series, there’s a line that she says and I thought – that’s kind of a little bit off for her to say that at this point. So even at that point she still has another twist to her or turn, so you’re not quite sure. You think she’s one thing but you don’t know. She always keeps a few things in her pocket you know? You never quite know where she’s going. So I don’t know.”

It must be great to play that type of character, she was asked.

“Yes, it’s nice to create a bit of mystery.”

When asked about her scenes wearing the iconic white coat whilst stood on the roof of Ruby Sunday’s home she said:

“I wonderered, I thought – what’s this? I’m standing on a room looking like a very aged Mary Poppins. I thought yeah OK I’m game you know? Beautiful coat! Oh my God beautiful!

“I did think odd! What’s happening here? But he never does anything without a reason. It looks like it’s random. Do you remember the first episode was with the babies? The babies on that planet that were running the spaceship? I remember I said “look! What’s this about? Where’s this come from?”

“When I started filming what you’re going to see soon I thought, I think I know what this is about. Everything’s tied up. Everything’s done for a reason. He’s very clever. He’s thinking ahead all the time. If it doesn’t work, if something doesn’t work then he’ll find a way to get round it. He’ll write something that will circumvent that. He’s very clever. So yeah, I do think it’s a clue yeah. It wasn’t to me ’cause I didn’t have an idea. I didn’t have a lovely coat. Talking to you now and having filmed it, it definitely I think might be a clue.”

@chopsybristoltt Anita Dobson talks about playing Mrs Flood in Doctor Who. By the end of season 2 we will know exactly who she is! #doctorwho #doctorwhotiktok #doctorwhoseason2 #doctorwhotok #doctorwhomrsflood #mrsflood #anitadobson ♬ original sound – ChopsyBristol

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