Doctor Who S10 – Episode: 1 – Nardole (MATT LUCAS) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Simon Ridgway
As a companion to The Doctor, Matt Lucas’ Nardole is only slightly less new than Bill Potts.
Nardole is something of a cipher – hiding the fact that he’s not entirely dim (he can fly the TARDIS, people!) behind the alien equivalent of an ‘aw, shucks’ demeanor, he is quite capable of keeping The Doctor from isolating himself post-tragedy (see: The Husbands of River Song), and turning high drama to perfect silliness (or vice-versa) with a single line.
In the following interview, Lucas holds forth on the new season of Doctor Who, The Doctor’s new companion, Bill Potts, and more.
Doctor Who returns to BBC America on Saturday, April 15th.
Doctor Who S10 – Episode: 1 – Nardole (MATT LUCAS) and The Doctor Doctor (PETER CAPALDI) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Simon Ridgway
Has Nardole changed now he’s a regular traveler in this series with the Doctor? If so how?
I feel he has. He’s more textured, more three-dimensional. You couldn’t go through a whole series with him being as cartoonish as he was in The Husbands Of River Song. That episode was played for laughs because it was a Christmas Special. We get to learn more about him and why he’s there. He has a purpose.
What’s his relationship like with the Doctor now?
They bicker. He works for the Doctor, but he’s never afraid to take him on either. He’s not shy in saying when he disagrees with something, and sometimes he’s just grumpy because he hasn’t had enough sleep. He definitely prefers the quieter life.
How does he feel when Bill joins them in the TARDIS this series?
As far as Nardole is concerned, the less drama, the better. So when a human comes on board he’s not exactly delighted. He doesn’t look up to humans either. He thinks they’re of little consequence (he’s right). I think Nardole wants to stay focused on the task he’s been given and doesn’t appreciate the distraction for the Doctor that Bill provides.
Doctor Who S10 – Episode: 1 – Nardole (MATT LUCAS) and Bill (PEARL MACKIE) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Simon Ridgway
What’s the dynamic like between the three?
As the series goes on, I think Bill and Nardole find they have more in common and challenge the Doctor more. Nardole grows to appreciate Bill and what she brings to the TARDIS. The Doctor has grown weary of Nardole but as the series goes on, I think he comes to appreciate what he has to offer.
What were your filming highlights this series? Were there any funny or bizarre moments on set?
Michelle Gomez makes me howl with laughter. Pearl can do any accent. Peter is a font of knowledge. And the crew are the best I’ve ever worked with. We’ve been together for ten months and we laugh a lot now. I think I drive everyone mad. My silliest moment was in the TARDIS, in a scene with Peter and Pearl. I was in my own world and hadn’t realized that the camera was turning. Peter and Pearl are acting away and I’m just reclining on the dashboard, playing about with buttons and then I start just chatting with Pearl about what I was up to at the weekend. Meanwhile everyone else is cracking up.
Doctor Who S10 – Episode: 1 – Nardole (MATT LUCAS), Doctor Who (PETER CAPALDI) – (C) BBC – Photographer: Simon Ridgway
Who are your favorite enemies/villains from this coming series? What was it like to film opposite them?
Not saying. My lips are sealed. Okay then Mondasian Cybermen.
Do you prefer the ‘going back in time’ or the futuristic adventures?
Most of my adventures have been in the future. I enjoyed episode ten when we went back to 2nd century Aberdeen, though the Brecon Beacons in November is probably the coldest place I’ve ever filmed.
What has been the reaction by Doctor Who fans to both Nardole and yourself?
Threats of violence, for the most part. But I know where the Doctor keeps his sonics so I’ll be okay.