But fans are not impressed at the first glimpse of her assassin, Doom

 Sooz Kempner is to star in a Doctor Who spin-off project as  ‘the universe's greatest assassin’.

The comedian will play Doom, the central character in a new series that spans comics, audio, a novel and video games.

In an introductory video to the Doom's Day adventure, she explains that her character has 24 hours to find The Doctor before Death catches up with her. She will be given a choice of new missions every hour and has to pick those that might help her escape her fate.

Kempner said: ‘To be part of the Doctor Who universe, a British institution up there with cups of tea and James Bond, is surreal and amazing. I love everything about Doom and can't believe I get to travel across time and space with her.’

Writer Russell T Davies said: ‘Doom’s Day is a huge new adventure for the whole Doctor Who universe - starring the brilliant and hilarious Sooz Kempner as an intergalactic assassin. Her adventures will span comics, audio, a novel, video games stories and more, expanding the world of Doctor Who into brand new territories. Beware the Doom's Day, it's coming for us all.’

Doom's Day will kick off on Doctor Who digital channels later this year followed by products from Doctor Who Magazine, Titan Comics, Penguin Random House, East Side Games, Big Finish and BBC Audio, each telling a section of Doom's story – each focussing on one of the 24 hours.

However the video launching the project has  left Doctor Who fans disappointed.

One likened it to a cheap 1990s video game, and another  said: ‘This feels like something you'd get in a Doctor Who escape room or interactive exhibit’ while another likened it

Another added: ‘This is the kind of Doctor Who content that I would be embarrassed if someone saw me watching’ while someone else posted on YouTube: ‘This is so sad & embarrassing that I can't give it a thumbs down; I'd just feel like a bully.’

Late last year the BBC partnered with Disney to distribute the show worldwide, saying they could tranform it into a ‘global franchise’

Published: 23 Mar 2023