Back when I was a lad…er…OK slightly more than a lad – we’re talking the 80s – one of Doctor Who’s most evil enemies (and you know he had a whole slew of evil enemies, so think cream of the crop, head honcho, with a heart even blacker than the blackest black of Douglas Adams’ black controls which are labeled in black on a black background, where a small black light lights up all black to let you know you’ve used one) was The Rani.

Back then, The Rani was played by Kate O’Mara.  For the 21st century version, the producers need someone who can fill those not inconsiderable boots, and have lined up ‘Footballer’s Wives‘ star Zoe Lucker for the part.

Talking to the Sun, a BBC insider said: "The Rani was a classic character – pure evil. She’s ripe for a return and Zoe is perfect to play her. There are similarities between The Rani and bitchy Tanya."  More recently, however, the BBC have denied claims that Lucker has been offered the part.