The Intriguing Backstory of Doctor Who's Companion Ruby Sunday

The Origins of Ruby Sunday

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has provided unique insights into the development of the new companion, Ruby Sunday, portrayed by Millie Gibson. The 2023 seasonal special, 'The Church on Ruby Sunday,' introduced Ruby as a young girl in search of her true parentage, embarking on an adventure against Goblins alongside Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor. Ruby's entrance into the TARDIS and her mysterious origins have captivated fans and raised questions about her future role in the series.

Millie Gibson and Ncuti Gatwa as Ruby and The Doctor in Doctor Who's The Church On Ruby Road

Davies explained that the inspiration for Ruby Sunday's backstory stemmed from real-life experiences portrayed in rival network ITV's documentary series, Long Lost Family. The show featured individuals raised as foundlings who embarked on a quest to discover their families, a theme that deeply resonated with Davies. He was particularly intrigued by the impact of DNA testing on the lives of foundlings, prompting him to incorporate this theme into Ruby Sunday's narrative.

The Search for Identity

After being left on the doorstep of the titular church in an opening flashback, Ruby Sunday was adopted and raised by foster mother Carla Sunday, played by Michelle Greenidge. The family later moved to London from Manchester to care for grandmother Cherry, portrayed by Angela Wynter. Despite her loving upbringing, Ruby remained determined to uncover the truth behind her parentage, leading her to participate in the in-universe version of Long Lost Family hosted by Davina McCall.

Despite the goblins' interference and the Doctor's intervention, Ruby's quest to find her biological parents remained unresolved. However, this journey brought her closer to the Doctor, who found a kindred spirit in Ruby. Their shared experiences and the Doctor's own revelations about his origins in season 12 created a deep bond between them, setting the stage for compelling storytelling in the upcoming seasons of Doctor Who.

The Impact of Ruby Sunday's Story

Russell T Davies has consistently sought to shed light on unexplored experiences through his projects, and Ruby's narrative is no exception. By drawing inspiration from real-life experiences of foundlings and their quests to uncover their parentage, Davies aims to approach this sensitive subject with care and empathy. As Ruby embarks on adventures in her TARDIS, her unresolved parentage will become a central theme in Doctor Who season 14, promising to engage and intrigue audiences with its emotional depth and compelling storytelling.