Doctor Who’s Russell T. Davies Aims to Reunite Bridgerton and Wicked Star in Upcoming Episodes

Following his standout roles in Bridgerton and Wicked, actor Jonathan Bailey might soon be making a return to the Doctor Who universe. Before his prominent portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s period drama, Bailey appeared as Psi in the eighth season episode titled Time Heist, partnering with Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor and Jenna Coleman’s Clara Oswald. As of late, Bailey has captivated audiences on the big screen as Prince Fiyero in the stage adaptation of Wicked, a character who forms an essential connection with Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo.

Recently, showrunner Russell T Davies shared his aspirations to bring Bailey back into the Whoniverse, especially after successfully casting fellow Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan for the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special in 2024. In a conversation with Screen Rant, Davies cited examples, such as Adjoa Andoh’s various roles in the series, as a basis for his intention to encourage a reunion:

We’ve had a lot with Adjoa Andoh. We bumped into Golda Rosheuvel the other day at the theater. Jonathan Bailey’s been in it. I would bring Jonathan Bailey back any day.

Davies underscored his interest in featuring cast members from the Netflix series, showcasing a broad vision of inclusion for the show’s future. He expressed optimism in recruiting various cast members from Bridgerton for future episodes:

We’ve used a lot, but yeah, anyone who was in that show is good news, really, so yes.

Davies’ Vision for Doctor Who’s Casting Future

Limited Restrictions for Actors in the Whoniverse

In a show like Doctor Who, it’s relatively unusual for actors to take on multiple roles without a compelling narrative reason. However, the series has long defied such conventions—classic era actors, including Julian Glover and Colin Baker, played different characters, with Baker famously portraying the Sixth Doctor later on. This trend has continued in the modern revival, as seen with Peter Capaldi, Freema Agyeman, and Eve Myles, who were interconnected through their dual roles. Furthermore, actors like Karen Gillan and David Bradley have transitioned from guest appearances to more prominent roles.

Davies’ new phase for Doctor Who reinforces this notion. For instance, Indira Varma returned in a new capacity after her work in the spin-off Torchwood, while Varada Sethu is set to reprise her role in the forthcoming Season 15 after making a positive impression during filming. Moreover, Davies has engaged stars like Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Russell Tovey for leading parts in the upcoming spin-off The War Between the Land and Sea, emphasizing his prioritization of talent over rigid continuity.

Reflections on Bailey’s Potential Return

Bailey Might Fit into the Whoniverse’s Busy Timeline

While the long-term trajectory of Doctor Who remains uncertain past Season 15—pending evaluation by Disney in 2025—there exists potential for a Bailey comeback. The series has witnessed various actors successfully balancing multiple high-profile roles alongside their commitments to Doctor Who. Notably, David Tennant reprised his role as the Fourteenth Doctor during the show’s 60th-anniversary night special, all while juggling projects in Good Omens and Star Wars. Similarly, Ncuti Gatwa managed his portrayal in Doctor Who during the concluding phases of Netflix’s Sex Education and his work on Barbie. This suggests that Bailey, too, might find a suitable slot in his schedule to return to the beloved franchise.

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