Comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar, who will play the role of Colonel Ahmed in the forthcoming Death in Heaven, has spoken on the role in a new interview with Whats on TV.
Asked how he felt when he realised he’d be appearing in the final episode of the series, Sanjeev expressed his excitement:
“I was incredibly excited to be a part of the show! I didn’t know at that stage that I was in the last episode, but just to be involved was amazing. It’s still weird to me when it’s a show or people I’ve watched and admired, to then be invited into that world is all kind of a bit mad!”
And revealed Colonel Ahmed will be an ally of the Doctor in his fight against the Cybermen:
“He’s got a military background and he’s an ally of the Doctor. I think most people know the final episode is about the Cybermen attacking Earth and wandering around the streets of London - all that kind of stuff. The Cybermen are classic Doctor Who villains but I hadn’t seen them used in quite the same way that they’re used in these episodes. The threat has certainly been upped!”
For the actor however, the sight of Cybermen on set was un-nerving:
“The funny thing was seeing them wandering around when we were on lunch or something. It’s not a spoiler to say they are actors! They’re not real. There isn’t a RADA for Cybermen somewhere and they get drafted in! But seeing them wandering about the set is slightly unnerving.”
Seeing and working with Peter Capaldi on set however, was a much better experience, Sanjeev being a big fan:
“Yes I think he’s great! I’m a huge fan of his anyway, I loved Malcolm Tucker in The Thick Of It. So seeing him on set was great and he was so warm and welcoming. He gave me a personal tour of the TARDIS which is just beyond any fanboy’s dream. He said I could work the controls if I wanted. I said: ‘Really?! I don’t want to break anything!” He was like, it’s okay you can use that, work that. It was fantastic going down there, reliving some of my childhood and watching Peter work which was just fascinating.”
And Sanjeev believes Death in Heaven may be the Doctor’s biggest test yet!
“It’s an episode that tests the Doctor in terms of his focus, his loyalties and dramatically, it’s great. He’s dealing with several problems at once which push him in different directions. That’s always the most interesting thing for any dramatic character - when you have choices to make. Making a choice can be to the detriment of something else and it constantly happens in this episode.”
For the rest of the interview where Sanjeev talks on being a fan as a youngster, more of his thoughts on the Cybermen, watching the show with his family and more can be found at WhatsonTV.co.uk
Death in Heaven airs this coming Saturday, November 8, on BBC One and BBC HD at 8pm.
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