You’re kidding: Joan Collins???
As the next season of Doctor Who is prepping up for shooting, casting information is flowing fast and furious. London’s News of the World reveals Joan Collins, of Dynasty and Star Trek fame, will be playing arch-villain The Rani.
The Rani appeared in the classic series twice, first with Colin Baker in "The Mark of the Rani" and later with Sylvester McCoy in "Time and the Rani." She was played by Kate O’Mara who, coincidentially, played Joan Collins’ younger sister in Dynasty.
The Rani marks the third Gallifreyan to survive obilvion by the Daleks. The News of the World calls Collins’ Rani as "Alexis Colby with a sonic screwdriver."
No word yet on when Series Four is expected to start, but it is likely it won’t begin until late April or May, after Series Two of Torchwood has completed its run.
I keep reminding myself that Davies had treated the show with respect and not camped it up. The few humorous episodes were intentionally humorous and written very well. I also remind myself that Joan Collins has been a fine actress and earned many awards for her acting.But it still sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen. I don't know how recent that photo above it, but she looks one hard night of drinking shy of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? She looks a lot better in the pics on her website, blessedly.I keep reminding myself of the miraculous work The Mill has done so far, and hope this won't be as creepy as it sounds at first hearing.