In a twist of fate, a Doctor Who extra steps in as the Doctor and saves Kylie Minogue from a deadly situation. Colum Sanson-Regan recounts his surreal experience on the set of the iconic sci-fi TV show and shares his fond memories of working with the cast. This heartwarming story captures the magic of Doctor Who and highlights the incredible opportunities that can arise unexpectedly.
Colum Sanson-Regan, an aspiring writer and musician, had taken on the role of an extra on Doctor Who for some extra cash before the birth of his first child. Little did he know that he would soon find himself in the doctor’s suit, filling in for David Tennant. Producers needed a Tennant-alike to shoot additional scenes for the 2007 Christmas special, and Colum was the perfect fit.
As Colum arrived on set, he was ushered past the common area reserved for extras and shown to a luxurious trailer. Confused but excited, he received a script and was informed that he would be playing the Doctor. The magnitude of the opportunity struck him when he crossed paths with Kylie Minogue, who portrayed the humanoid waitress Astrid Peth in the same episode. Colum’s star-struck encounter with the Australian singer and actor added another layer of surrealism to his experience.
The first scene Colum filmed involved saving Kylie’s character from falling over a bridge while being attacked by killer robot angels. It was an action-packed introduction to the Doctor’s role for Colum. Despite the initial disbelief and astonishment, he delivered an impressive performance that pleased the producers. They were so impressed with his resemblance to Tennant and his acting skills that they invited him back for another episode in 2008.
In the final episode of the fourth series, Colum played the Doctor’s clone and had the opportunity to interact with Tennant, Billie Piper, John Barrowman, and Catherine Tate. He fondly recalls the camaraderie on set and the buzz of excitement among the cast and crew. Colum also got to experience the thrill of flying the TARDIS and holding the iconic screwdriver, albeit temporarily.
The unexpected journey on Doctor Who left a lasting impression on Colum. He reflects on the kindness and professionalism of David Tennant and cherishes the memories he made during his time on the show. As Doctor Who continues to captivate audiences, Colum’s story serves as a reminder of the show’s enduring appeal.
Now, as Tennant and Tate reunite for a special episode, Colum will be watching eagerly from the comfort of his own home. His focus has shifted to his family and his creative endeavors, leaving little time for additional acting opportunities. However, his love for Doctor Who remains as strong as ever, and he is excited to witness the return of some fantastic actors in the upcoming episode.
Colum’s extraordinary adventure on Doctor Who showcases the power of unexpected opportunities and the magic of the show itself. This heartwarming tale serves as a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Doctor Who, captivating fans new and old alike.
