The Return of Bernice Summerfield: A New Adventure for the Ninth Doctor

The Return of Bernice Summerfield

Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor is about to embark on a thrilling new adventure as he crosses paths with an old friend. Lisa Bowerman's Wilderness Years companion, Bernice Summerfield, is set to star in Big Finish's next Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor Adventures boxset. This exciting development brings a new dimension to the Ninth Doctor's journey, adding a layer of nostalgia and intrigue for fans of the series.

New Adventures of Bernice Summerfield Blood and Steel Cover with classic Cybermen design

Eccleston, who portrayed a weary and traumatized Doctor in the show's 2005 revival, has already revisited the Ninth Doctor in Big Finish audio drama productions. In these productions, the Ninth Doctor faces formidable foes such as Cybermen, Vashta Nerada, Sea Devils, and Sontarans. Now, with Bernice Summerfield making her return, the stage is set for a captivating new chapter in the Doctor's adventures.

Who Is Bernice Summerfield?

Bernice Summerfield, portrayed by Lisa Bowerman, is a character with a rich history in the Doctor Who universe. She was created by Paul Cornell for the 'Doctor Who: The Virgin New Adventures' line of novels in 1992, where she first encountered Sylvester McCoy's Seventh Doctor and Sophie Aldred's companion Ace. As an archaeologist, Bernice embarked on numerous adventures with the Seventh Doctor and Ace, uncovering mysteries, learning about her long-lost father, and finding love along the way.

Following the classic series' end in 1989 and before the show's revival in 2005, Bernice's adventures continued in her own solo novel series during Doctor Who's Wilderness Years. This period marked a significant time for the character, as she transitioned from novels to audio dramas in 1998, with Lisa Bowerman stepping into the role of Summerfield. Bernice's travels extended beyond her encounters with the Seventh Doctor, as she also journeyed with an alternative universe 'Unbound' Doctor, adding depth and diversity to her experiences.

The Ninth Doctor's Reunion with an Old Friend

While Christopher Eccleston's return to Doctor Who's television series may be uncertain, his involvement in Big Finish's audio dramas has provided a platform for revisiting untold chapters of the Ninth Doctor's life. The upcoming release, 'Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor Adventures: Buried Threats', will see the Ninth Doctor crossing paths with Bernice Summerfield once again. This reunion holds significant weight as it brings together two beloved characters from the Doctor Who universe, offering a glimpse into the Doctor's past and the challenges that lie ahead.

As the Ninth Doctor and Bernice embark on a new adventure in the third box set of the third season, fans can anticipate an engaging storyline that delves into themes of friendship, loss, and resilience. With Bernice's search for lost hordes of warriors bringing her face to face with the Ninth Doctor, the stage is set for an epic encounter that will captivate audiences and reignite the spirit of adventure that defines the Doctor Who series.