Christina Chong (‘Doctor Who’) interview

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In this weekend’s Doctor Who mid-series finale, Amy Pond has been kidnapped and the Doctor is raising an army to rescue her. But as he and Rory race across galaxies, calling in long-held debts and solemnly given promises, his enemies are laying a carefully concealed trap.

> Order the Series 6 Part 1 DVD on Amazon.

> Order the Series 6 Part 1 Blu-ray on Amazon.

‘A Good Man Goes To War’ airs at 6.40pm on Saturday 4th June on BBC One.

Watch the episode’s trailer…




CultBox caught up with Monroe star Christina Chong, who plays Lorna Bucket, to discuss her role in the story…

Can you tell us a bit about your character in this weekend’s Doctor Who?

“Lorna is a girl on a mission. I don’t think I can tell you what that mission is, but there are no lengths to which she will not go. Under that bold exterior she’s very vulnerable at heart.”

Were you a fan of the show before filming the role?

“Absolutely. I didn’t watch it when I was younger, but certainly I have been hooked since Christopher Eccleston hit our screens.”

What was it like working with Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill?

“They were all lovely and made me feel very welcome.”

Did the episode meet your expectations of Doctor Who?

“Steven’s scripts are so original it’s hard to picture how the whole thing will work so I turned up without any expectations. Lorna goes on quite a journey so I got to interact with a few of Steven’s ‘creations’ which were impressive to say the least – and scary!”

Did you get to perform any stunts?

“I love to do my own stunts, but unfortunately I didn’t get to do any.”

What’s your favourite memory from filming the episode?

“My favourite memory would have to be stepping into the TARDIS for the first time, even though I probably shouldn’t have been in there!”

There’s been a lot of secrecy surrounding the episode’s cliffhanger ending. Were you all given complete scripts?

“I still to this day do not know what the real ending is for the mid-series finale. Only those who needed to know were given the final draft of the script. I can’t wait to find out!”

Did you have friends and family trying to get you to reveal stuff?

“Friends and family always try to prise it out of you but as I’m sure they’ll tell you I can be quite stubborn. My brother still thinks I’m playing a Dalek.”

Steven Moffat’s Doctor Who stories are renowned for being quite complex – does this episode follow that trend?

“Yes, most definitely! I had to read the script a good three times to understand it, but even then he leaves you with a cloud of mystery, which is great for an actor. That way you get to use your imagination and invent your own little stories.”

If the chance presented itself, would you like to come back to Doctor Who?

“Yes, without a doubt.”

Do you know yet if Monroe will be returning for a second series?

“As far as I am aware a second series of Monroe has yet to be confirmed, but if it were I would love to be a part of it again.”

What are your favourite memories from filming the first series?

“I’ve made some lovely friends and there are so many fun Monroe memories, but I can’t tell you most of them. A sentimental memory that stands out is the read through of Episode 6; by the end of it everyone sat round the table was in tears.”

Did you enjoy filming Johnny English Reborn, which is out later this year?

Johnny English was lots of fun; I play Barbara an airhostess who encounters Mr English on his journey.”

What was Rowan Atkinson like to work with?

“Rowan was very nice, an utter perfectionist.”

What else have you got coming up?

“I have just been cast in Series 3 of Whitechapel and W.E – a film I worked on last year, directed by Madonna – is in post-production. I also have the launch of my family’s new restaurant ‘Charlie’s’, in Harpenden, coming up in July, which is exciting and keeps me busy! Self-promotion is horrid isn’t it!”

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