A major star from the world of Doctor Who has dropped a heavy hint that her fan-favourite character may meet a tragic end in an upcoming television event.
Is This The End For UNIT's Leader?
Jemma Redgrave, who has played the formidable UNIT commander Kate Lethbridge-Stewart since 2012, has suggested the character's survival is far from guaranteed in the imminent spinoff series, The War Between the Land and the Sea. The five-part series, launching on BBC One and Disney+ on Sunday, December 7, pits the military organisation against the classic aquatic monsters, the Sea Devils, with humanity's environmental impact on the oceans serving as a central theme.
When questioned by RadioTimes.com on whether her character and the UNIT team would all emerge unscathed, Redgrave's response was ominously uncertain. 'If she survives this series, I don’t know where she can go next,' the actress admitted, casting serious doubt on Kate's future. Redgrave, who took over the role from Beverley Cressman over a decade ago, expressed profound gratitude for her journey with the character, describing every call to return as a 'gift'.
A 'Definitive Ending' and a Stunning Post-Credits Scene
The series writer, Pete McTighe, labelled Kate a 'legacy character' but promised that even seasoned Whovians will be 'very surprised' by the arc she follows. Adding to the intrigue, showrunner Russell T Davies confirmed the story has a 'very, very definite ending'. He passionately urged viewers to watch through the credits, teasing a remarkable post-credits scene. 'You get one of the best scenes ever recorded in the last seconds,' Davies revealed at the premiere. 'It’s a stunning performance from one of the stars of the cast.'
The spinoff will see UNIT, lacking the Doctor's assistance, bring in an everyman operative named Barclay Pierre-DuPont (Russell Tovey) to negotiate with the enraged Sea Devils. The cast also includes returning favourites Ruth Madeley as Shirley Anne Bingham and Alexander Devrient as Christofer Ibrahim, alongside Colin McFarlane reprising his Torchwood role.
A Fond Farewell or a New Beginning?
While the 60-year-old actress hopes her time in the Whoniverse can continue, she reflected fondly on her tenure. 'I’ve had a most extraordinary time and journey with this character,' Redgrave stated. The imminent threat to Kate Lethbridge-Stewart sets the stage for a high-stakes, environmentally charged drama that promises to reshape a corner of the Doctor Who universe. Fans will discover her fate when The War Between the Land and the Sea begins its broadcast this December.
