Doctor Who: Planet Of The Dead Michelle Ryan Interview

Q: Tell us about your character Lady Christina de Souza.

"Christina is a mysterious, adventure-seeking aristocrat and she is very much a loner, she's off in her own little world. And she's very daring and exciting and smart and sassy. She's a cool character."

Q: When did you first hear about the part, and why did it appeal to you?

"I first heard about the part just before Christmas and it appealed to me. I was reading lots of different scripts at the time and then I read this one and I was so engaged with the character, with her journey, and it was just a really interesting, dynamic script and few of those come along for young actresses, so I was kind of like, 'yeah, I'd like to be a part of this'.

Q: What's it like working with David Tennant?

"It's amazing, he is genuinely one of the most professional, lovely, brilliant actors I've ever worked with. And he has such a good vibe, and he gives a great energy to everyone, he's really cool.

"It's quite family-like and fun - it's been such a laugh to work on. The rest of the cast, the supporting cast as well, have been brilliant, Daniel, David, Vicky and Reggie and everyone, it's been brilliant."

Q: How did you find working with the Tritovores?

"That was a bit of a shock but they're very good, the two guys who played the Tritovores with their voices, and it was cool doing all the special effects stuff where you've got the big creatures coming at you.

"It's been interesting, and I love doing all the harness and wire work — I've been hung upside down today, all day — and being dropped and bounced up and down, so it's all fun!"

Q: What's it like on set working with Lee Evans?

"Filming with Lee Evans is great. He's actually really quiet then he'll start being really funny. He's just naturally funny and lovely."

Q: Is there a romantic spark between your character Christina and The Doctor?

"There is a little bit of a romantic spark between The Doctor and Christina. I think Christina feels like she's met her equal, and The Doctor feels like he's met his match with Christina.

"Christina doesn't come across many men that intrigue and inspire her the way The Doctor does. He manages to show her that actually she can use her skills to help other people, and that actually it's more fun when you're part of a team rather than being a loner.

"She goes on a journey with him and I think she'd like it to be more, and he's quite closed off to that because he's been hurt in the past — he's off doing his thing and she's like, 'well, okay' and off on her next adventure!"