The Whoniverse is full of mystery and intrigue and this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special was no different. While the introduction of new companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor was the focal point of 2023’s festive outing, the enigmatic Mrs Flood has been at the heart of much speculation.
As Ruby’s elderly neighbour, Mrs Flood (Anita Dobson) appears as a grouchy yet encouraging influence to the teenager. Early on in the episode, she is confused and annoyed by the mysterious blue box that is parked outside of her house. However, as the festive special draws to a close, she pushes Ruby to join the Doctor inside his TARDIS.
The credits roll but are abruptly cut-off as the camera returns to Mrs Flood who then breaks the fourth wall and says to the audience: “Never seen a TARDIS before?”
This revelation sets up a deeper backstory for Mrs Flood. Doctor Who showrunner Russel T. Davies has since confirmed on Doctor Who: Unleashed that more will be revealed about her in the upcoming season which arrives in May 2024.
“Mrs Flood is a mysterious character. You will eventually find out more about her. She’s a slow burn, Mrs Flood. Who is Mrs Flood? Come back and find out,” Davies said.
Doctor Who fans have subsequently taken to the internet to discuss their theories about the true identity of Mrs Flood – and some think they have figured it out.
Who is Mrs Flood in Doctor Who?
There are a few competing theories about the identity of Ruby’s elderly neighbour. However, a couple seem to be the most plausible to the Doctor Who fandom.
On Reddit, viewers of this year’s Christmas special discussed their theories. Some think that Mrs Flood is a regenerated version of the Doctor’s wife, River Song. One user wrote: “Wait, Mrs Flood? Winking…That’s River Song/Melody Pond isn’t it?”
Another said: “Based solely on her name being somewhat water related, my theory is Melody POND is RIVER Song is Mrs. FLOOD.”
Nevertheless, others felt that she is more likely to be a new version of the Rani, a villainous Time Lord who faced the Sixth and Seventh Doctors in the original series.
The Rani’s original actress, Kate O’Mara, unfortunately passed away in 2014 having never returned to the role despite constant speculation about a potential comeback. This would mean that the character would need to be recast in the event of a return. Still, thanks to regeneration, it is entirely possible that Ruby’s neighbour is, in fact, the Rani.
One Reddit user wrote: “Mrs Flood = The Rani”. Another replied, “Rain = rani Rain causes floods Just [sic] my silly theory!”
Addressing the fact that fans have been speculating about the Rani’s return for years, another user replied: “That didn’t take long”. “As is tradition,” added another.
Of course, this is all just speculation – but it sounds like we’ll find out for sure in series 14 next year.
Who do you think Mrs Flood is in Doctor Who? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
