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Romana, short for Romanadvoratrelundar (), is a fictional character in the long-running British
science fiction television Science fiction first appeared in television programming in the late 1930s, during what is called the Golden Age of Science Fiction. Special effects and other production techniques allow creators to present a living visual image of an imaginary ...
series ''
Doctor Who ''Doctor Who'' is a British science fiction television series broadcast by the BBC since 1963. The series, created by Sydney Newman, C. E. Webber and Donald Wilson (writer and producer), Donald Wilson, depicts the adventures of an extraterre ...
''. A
Time Lord The Time Lords are a fictional ancient race of extraterrestrial life, extraterrestrial people in the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. Time Lords are so named for their command of time travel technology and their Nonli ...
from the planet
Gallifrey The Time Lords are a fictional ancient race of extraterrestrial people in the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. Time Lords are so named for their command of time travel technology and their non-linear perception of t ...
, she is a
companion Companion may refer to: Relationships Currently * Any of several interpersonal relationships such as friend or acquaintance * A domestic partner, akin to a spouse * Sober companion, an addiction treatment coach * Companion (caregiving), a caregive ...
to the
Fourth Doctor The Fourth Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Tom Baker. Within the series' narrative, the Doctor is a centuries-old alien Time Lord from ...
. As a Time Lord, Romana is able to regenerate, having had two on-screen incarnations with somewhat different personalities (dubbed Romana I and
Romana II Romana, short for Romanadvoratrelundar (), is a fictional character in the long-running British science fiction on television, science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. A Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, she is a companion (Doctor ...
by fans). Romana I was played by
Mary Tamm Mary Tamm (22 March 1950 – 26 July 2012) was a British actress who appeared in many British TV drama series and serials. She is best known for her role as Romana I in the BBC's science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', appearin ...
from 1978 to 1979. When Tamm chose not to sign on for a second season, the part was recast. Romana II was played by
Lalla Ward Sarah Jill "Lalla" Ward (born 28 June 1951) is an English actress, voice artist and author who is best known for playing the role of Romana II in the BBC television series ''Doctor Who'' from 1979 to 1981. Career Early career Ward's stage n ...
from 1979 to 1981. A third incarnation of Romana has been depicted in some of the spin-off novels, and a fourth (performed by
Juliet Landau Juliet Rose Landau (born March 30, 1965) is an American actress, director, producer, and ballerina best known for her role as Drusilla on ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and its spinoff show ''Angel'', the latter appearance earning her a Sat ...
) has been featured in several audio dramas released by
Big Finish Productions Big Finish Productions is a British company that produces books and radio drama, audio plays (released straight to compact disc and for download in MP3 and m4b format) based, primarily, on science fiction properties. These include ''Doctor Who'' ...
in 2013 and 2014, and appeared again in early 2015. Romana is one of only two companions from the Doctor's home planet, Gallifrey, to travel with him in the original television series. The first was his granddaughter
Susan Foreman Susan Foreman (also known as Susan Campbell in spin-off media) is a fictional character in the British science fiction on television, science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. The granddaughter of the Doctor and original Companion (Docto ...
.


Romana I

The White Guardian originally assigns Romana to assist
the Doctor The Doctor, sometimes known as Doctor Who, is the protagonist of the long-running BBC science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. An extraterrestrial Time Lord, the Doctor travels the universe in a time travelling spaceship called th ...
during the quest for
the Key to Time The sixteenth season of British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', known collectively as ''The Key to Time'', began on 2 September 1978 with '' The Ribos Operation'' and ended with ''The Armageddon Factor''. The arc was originally ...
, a series of linked serials which constitute the whole of
Season 16 A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On Earth, seasons are the result of the axial parallelism of Earth's tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperate and polar ...
(1978–79). Romana first appears in ''
The Ribos Operation ''The Ribos Operation'' is the first serial of the 16th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 2 to 23 September 1978. This serial introduces Mary Tamm ...
'', and was intended as a contrast to her predecessor, the savage Leela. Romana is initially haughty and somewhat arrogant, looking down on the Doctor (whom she considers to be her academic inferior) and responding to his initial resentment at her presence with icy put-downs. However, she soon gains an appreciation for the Doctor's experience and sense of adventure, and begins to respect him as a teacher. Over the course of Season 16, Romana begins to take on some of the characteristics of the screaming "
damsel in distress The damsel in distress is a narrative device in which one or more men must rescue a woman who has been kidnapped or placed in other peril. The "damsel" is often portrayed as beautiful, popular, and of high social status; she is usually depicted ...
", which reinforced Tamm's decision not to remain in the role as she felt the character had been taken as far as she could go. As a result, Romana regenerates at the start of
Season 17 A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On Earth, seasons are the result of the axial parallelism of Earth's tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperate and polar ...
, emerging with a different physical appearance and a lighter personality. Although Tamm had left the show on relatively good terms and was willing to film a regeneration sequence for the start of Season 17, she was not invited to do so. There was a rumour, purportedly started by former producer
John Nathan-Turner John Turner (12 August 1947 – 1 May 2002), known professionally as John Nathan-Turner, was an English television producer. He was the ninth producer of the long-running BBC science fiction series ''Doctor Who'' and the final producer of the ...
, that the real reason Tamm left was that she was pregnant. Tamm has denied this repeatedly over the years.


Romana II

The introduction of Romana's second incarnation at the start of ''
Destiny of the Daleks ''Destiny of the Daleks'' is the first serial of the 17th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 1 September to 22 September 1979. The story introduces ...
'' — a script credited to
Terry Nation Terence Joseph Nation (8 August 19309 March 1997) was a Welsh screenwriter and novelist. Especially known for his work in British television science fiction, he created the Daleks and Davros for ''Doctor Who'', as well as the series '' Surviv ...
, but with several additions and alterations by script editor
Douglas Adams Douglas Noel Adams (11 March 1952 – 11 May 2001) was an English author, humorist, and screenwriter, best known as the creator of ''The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy''. Originally a 1978 BBC radio comedy, ''The Hitchhiker's Guide to the ...
— treats the concept of regeneration humorously;A Brief History Of Time (Travel): Destiny Of The Daleks
/ref> Romana changes bodily forms several times, rather like someone casually trying on different outfits, before deciding to take the form of Princess Astra, who had been played by
Lalla Ward Sarah Jill "Lalla" Ward (born 28 June 1951) is an English actress, voice artist and author who is best known for playing the role of Romana II in the BBC television series ''Doctor Who'' from 1979 to 1981. Career Early career Ward's stage n ...
in the final serial of Season 16, ''
The Armageddon Factor ''The Armageddon Factor'' is the sixth and final serial of the The Key to Time, 16th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in six weekly parts on BBC One, BBC1 from 20 January to 24 Febr ...
''. This regeneration scene is controversial with some fans, as it does not conform to the seriousness with which regeneration is presented in most other cases. It is generally presented as traumatic, even emotionally or physically agonizing. Attempts at rationalising Romana's regeneration have been made in licensed spin-off media, including the ''Short Trips'' short story "The Lying Old Witch in the Wardrobe" which speculates that the TARDIS was responsible for her regeneration. At the end of the serial ''
Meglos ''Meglos'' is the second serial of the 18th season of the science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 27 September to 18 October 1980. In the serial, the Zolfa-Thuran plant Meglos ...
'', Romana receives word from the Time Lords recalling her to Gallifrey. The opening of the next serial '' Full Circle'' makes it clear that, having travelled with the Doctor, she no longer desires to return home. Before the issue can be resolved, the TARDIS falls through a "charged vacuum emboîtement" and disappears into another universe known as E-Space. Her final television appearance was in the 1981 story ''
Warriors' Gate ''Warriors' Gate'' is the fifth serial of the Doctor Who season 18, 18th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. It was written by Stephen Gallagher and was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC One, BBC1 fr ...
'' where, along with the robot dog K9, she leaves to forge her own path in E-space when faced with a choice of remaining there or returning to Gallifrey. She also appears briefly in the 20th Anniversary special "
The Five Doctors "The Five Doctors" is a special feature-length episode of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', produced in celebration of the programme's 20th anniversary. It had its world premiere in the United States, on the Chicago ...
" (1983) through the reuse of footage from the uncompleted 1979 story '' Shada'', as
Tom Baker Thomas Stewart Baker (born 20 January 1934) is an English actor and writer. He is best known for having played the Fourth Doctor, fourth and longest-serving incarnation of The Doctor (Doctor Who), the Doctor in the science fiction television ...
declined to appear in the special. After the departure of both Romana I and II, both versions of the character also appeared very briefly in flashback sequences during the Fourth Doctor's regeneration in ''
Logopolis ''Logopolis'' is the seventh and final serial of the 18th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 28 February to 21 March 1981. The serial is set on th ...
'' as well as the Fifth Doctor's mind-copy in ''
Resurrection of the Daleks ''Resurrection of the Daleks'' is the fourth serial of the 21st season in the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in two weekly parts on BBC1 between 8 February and 15 February 1984. The serial w ...
''. Romana would also be mentioned in '' Castrovalva'' during the
Fifth Doctor The Fifth Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Peter Davison. Within the series' narrative, the Doctor is a centuries-old alien Time Lord ...
's post-regenerative confusion, as well as in ''
Arc of Infinity ''Arc of Infinity'' is the first serial of the 20th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four twice-weekly parts on BBC1 from 3 to 12 January 1983. The serial is set in Amsterdam a ...
'', in which the Fifth Doctor, in response to a reprimand from the High Council of Time Lords for "leaving erbehind", retorts that she "chose to remain in E-Space". Ward subsequently returned for a brief cameo as Romana in the 1993 charity special ''
Dimensions in Time ''Dimensions in Time'' is a charity special crossover between the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'' and the soap opera ''EastEnders.'' The special was broadcast in two parts on 26 and 27 November 1993 and was filmed on lo ...
''.


Appearances in other media

Outside of the television programme, the Fourth Doctor and Romana II also appear in Australian-filmed television advertisements for PR1ME Computer, Inc. in 1980, which played in a tongue-in-cheek way with the idea that the two characters shared a romantic relationship, climaxing with the Doctor proposing marriage (which occurred in real life between Tom Baker and Lalla Ward after her departure from the series that same year). An article by
Russell T Davies Stephen Russell Davies ( ; born 27 April 1963), known professionally as Russell T Davies, is a Welsh screenwriter and television producer. He is best known for being the original showrunner and head writer of the revival of the BBC sci-fi seri ...
in the ''Doctor Who Annual 2006'' states that Romana was President of the Time Lords during the Last Great Time War against the Daleks (see
below Below may refer to: *Earth *Ground (disambiguation) *Soil *Floor * Bottom (disambiguation) *Less than *Temperatures below freezing *Hell or underworld People with the surname * Ernst von Below (1863–1955), German World War I general * Fred Belo ...
), which ended with Gallifrey being destroyed. As with all spin-off media, its
canonicity The adjective canonical is applied in many contexts to mean 'according to the canon' the standard, rule or primary source that is accepted as authoritative for the body of knowledge or literature in that context. In mathematics, ''canonical example ...
in relation to the television series is debatable.


Novels

In the licensed
Virgin New Adventures The ''Virgin New Adventures'' (NA series, or NAs) are a series of novels from Virgin Publishing based on the British Science fiction on television, science-fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. They continued the story of the Doctor from th ...
novel '' Blood Harvest'' by
Terrance Dicks Terrance William Dicks (14 April 1935 – 29 August 2019) was an English author and television screenwriter, script editor and producer. In television, he had a long association with the BBC science-fiction series ''Doctor Who'', working as a ...
, Romana II leaves E-Space and returns to Gallifrey with the help of the
Seventh Doctor The Seventh Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy. Within the series' narrative, the Doctor is a centuries-o ...
. In ''
Goth Opera ''Goth Opera'' is an original ''Doctor Who'' novel, published by Virgin Publishing in their '' Missing Adventures'' range of ''Doctor Who'' novels. It was the first book in that series and a sequel to the '' New Adventure'' book '' Blood Harvest' ...
'' by
Paul Cornell Paul Douglas Cornell (born 18 July 1967) is a British writer. He has worked in television drama and ''Doctor Who'' fiction, being the creator of one of the Doctor's spin-off companions, Bernice Summerfield. Other British television dramas f ...
, from the complementary Missing Adventures series, she is given a seat on the High Council of Time Lords. In New Adventures' ''
Happy Endings A happy ending is a type of plot conclusion. Happy Ending or Happy Endings may also refer to: Film and television * Happy Ending (Schitt's Creek), "Happy Ending" (Schitt's Creek), the 2020 series finale of ''Schitt's Creek'' * Happy Ending (20 ...
'', also by Cornell, it is revealed that Romana has become Lady President of
Gallifrey The Time Lords are a fictional ancient race of extraterrestrial people in the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. Time Lords are so named for their command of time travel technology and their non-linear perception of t ...
. Romana's presidency is reflected in the later novels and in her appearances (voiced by Ward) in audio dramas from
Big Finish Productions Big Finish Productions is a British company that produces books and radio drama, audio plays (released straight to compact disc and for download in MP3 and m4b format) based, primarily, on science fiction properties. These include ''Doctor Who'' ...
. She also makes a cameo appearance in ''
Human Nature Human nature comprises the fundamental dispositions and characteristics—including ways of Thought, thinking, feeling, and agency (philosophy), acting—that humans are said to have nature (philosophy), naturally. The term is often used to denote ...
'' in a vision. Romana appears in the unlicensed
fan fiction Fan fiction or fanfiction, also known as fan fic, fanfic, fic or FF, is fiction typically written in an amateur capacity by fans as a form of fan labor, unauthorized by, but based on, an existing work of fiction. The author uses copyrighted ...
novel '' Time's Champion'', in the role of President of the Time Lords. Romana's appearance in the 1997 novel ''The Eight Doctors''- where she helps the newly regenerated
Eighth Doctor The Eighth Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Paul McGann. The character was introduced in the 1996 TV film ''Doctor Who'', a back-door p ...
rescue his fourth incarnation from a group of vampires in the aftermath of '' State of Decay''- was highlighted in a trailer for the re-launched ''Doctor Who'' range which was included on a number of BBC videos in 1997–8. The trailer used a clip from ''
Destiny of the Daleks ''Destiny of the Daleks'' is the first serial of the 17th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 1 September to 22 September 1979. The story introduces ...
'' to illustrate Romana. Romana's time with the Doctor is also explored in several novels, which include additional adventures for her first incarnation when outside forces divert their efforts to find the Key to Time and general adventures for her second incarnation prior to departing in E-space.


Romana III

In the
BBC Books BBC Books (also formerly known as BBC Consumer Publishing and BBC Publishing) is an imprint majority-owned and managed by Penguin Random House through its Ebury Publishing division. The minority shareholder is BBC Studios, the commercial subsidia ...
Eighth Doctor Adventures The ''Eighth Doctor Adventures'' (sometimes abbreviated as EDA or referred to as the EDAs) are a series of spin off novels based on the long running BBC science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'' and published under the BBC Books impri ...
novels, Romana undergoes a second regeneration, and her new incarnation (Romana III, whose appearance was modelled on silent movie actress
Louise Brooks Mary Louise Brooks (November 14, 1906 – August 8, 1985) was an American film actress during the 1920s and 1930s. She is regarded today as an cultural icon, icon of the flapper culture, in part due to the bob cut, bob hairstyle that she helped ...
) is far less sympathetic and far more ruthless than the other two. This third incarnation pursues the Eighth Doctor in a story arc relating to the Future War, a War between the Time Lords and an as-yet-unidentified enemy, seeking to use his new companion
Compassion Compassion is a social feeling that motivates people to go out of their way to relieve the physical, mental, or emotional pains of others and themselves. Compassion is sensitivity to the emotional aspects of the suffering of others. When based ...
– who has been unintentionally mutated into a Type 102 TARDIS in the aftermath of the destruction of the Doctor's own ship – as breeding stock for the new sentient TARDISes in the Future War. With the Doctor refusing to allow the Time Lords to make Compassion a slave, he, Compassion and fellow companion
Fitz Kreiner This is a list of fictional characters who were companion (Doctor Who), companions of the Doctor (Doctor Who), Doctor, in various Doctor Who spinoffs, spinoff media based on the long-running British science fiction on television, science ficti ...
go on the run between '' The Shadows of Avalon'' and ''
The Ancestor Cell ''The Ancestor Cell'' is a novel by Peter Anghelides and Stephen Cole, based on the science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. It features the Eighth Doctor, Fitz Kreiner, Compassion, and Romana III, as well as a brief appearance of t ...
'', the final confrontation on board the Doctor's believed-destroyed original TARDIS resulting in the obliteration of
Gallifrey The Time Lords are a fictional ancient race of extraterrestrial people in the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. Time Lords are so named for their command of time travel technology and their non-linear perception of t ...
and the apparent retroactive wiping out of the Time Lords from history. A flashback in the final
Eighth Doctor Adventures The ''Eighth Doctor Adventures'' (sometimes abbreviated as EDA or referred to as the EDAs) are a series of spin off novels based on the long running BBC science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'' and published under the BBC Books impri ...
novel '' The Gallifrey Chronicles'' suggests that Romana is killed by
Faction Paradox ''Faction Paradox'' is a series of novels, audio stories, short story anthologies, and comics set in and around a "War in Heaven", a history-spanning conflict between godlike "Great Houses" and their mysterious enemy. The series is named after a ...
skulltroopers just before Gallifrey's destruction. However, it is hinted in ''
Tomb of Valdemar A tomb ( ''tumbos'') or sepulchre () is a repository for the remains of the dead. It is generally any structurally enclosed interment space or burial chamber, of varying sizes. Placing a corpse into a tomb can be called ''immurement'', althou ...
'' by Simon Messingham that Romana may be one of a few Time Lords who survived this cataclysm, possibly in a fourth incarnation and ''The Gallifrey Chronicles'' itself suggests that the Doctor will eventually restore Gallifrey and all the dead Time Lords whose minds are stored in the Matrix, in time for its destruction again in the Time War.


Audio plays

Romana II appeared pseudonymously in a series of audio plays produced in the early 2000s by BBV. In this series, Lalla Ward played a character who appeared with K9 in an unnamed parallel universe. This character is called the Mistress (which was what K9 called Romana in the television series). Because of an unusual copyright situation in which BBV was able to license K9 but not Romana or other ''Doctor Who'' elements, the Mistress is not explicitly called Romana. For similar reasons, the parallel universe (obviously intended to reflect Romana's exile in E-Space) is called a "pocket universe" in the series' packaging. In Big Finish's regular line of ''Doctor Who'' audio stories, Ward joined
Colin Baker Colin Charles Baker (born 8 June 1943) is an English actor. He played Paul Merroney in the BBC television drama series ''The Brothers (1972 TV series), The Brothers'' from 1974 to 1976 and the Sixth Doctor, sixth incarnation of The Doctor (Do ...
's
Sixth Doctor The Sixth Doctor is an incarnation of The Doctor (Doctor Who), the Doctor, the protagonist of the British Science fiction on television, science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Colin Baker. Although his televisual t ...
in ''
The Apocalypse Element ''The Apocalypse Element'' is a Big Finish Productions audio drama based on the long-running British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. It forms the second serial in the Dalek Empire arc, following on from events in '' The Genocid ...
'', in which Romana is Lady President of Gallifrey. In the story, it is revealed that Romana II was abducted by the Daleks soon after assuming the presidential office, and remained in captivity for twenty years before making her escape, briefly reuniting with the Doctor before reassuming her post. Romana II also appears with
Paul McGann Paul John McGann ( ; born 14 November 1959) is an English actor. He came to prominence for portraying Percy Toplis in the television serial '' The Monocled Mutineer'' (1986), then starred in the dark comedy '' Withnail and I'' (1987), which wa ...
's
Eighth Doctor The Eighth Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Paul McGann. The character was introduced in the 1996 TV film ''Doctor Who'', a back-door p ...
in the 2003 remake of '' Shada'', an audio play produced by Big Finish for the BBC's ''Doctor Who'' website and accompanied by Macromedia Flash animations, and also in ''
Neverland Neverland is a fictional island featured in the works of J. M. Barrie and those based on them. It is an imaginary faraway place where Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, the Lost Boys, and some other imaginary beings and creatures live. ...
'' and ''
Zagreus In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Zagreus () was a god sometimes identified with an Orphic Dionysus who was dismembered by the Titans and reborn. In the earliest mention of Zagreus, he is paired with Gaia and called the "highest" god, th ...
''. More recently, she has appeared with the
Fifth Doctor The Fifth Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Peter Davison. Within the series' narrative, the Doctor is a centuries-old alien Time Lord ...
in '' The Chaos Pool'', the final part of the ''Key 2 Time'' trilogy, where it is revealed that Romana's regeneration was at least partly caused by her transformation into the new sixth segment of the Key to Time, the audio concluding with the segment's essence being transferred back to Astra to save Romana's life before the Doctor destroys the Key for good. In ''Neverland'' Romana encounters the
Eighth Doctor The Eighth Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Paul McGann. The character was introduced in the 1996 TV film ''Doctor Who'', a back-door p ...
as Anti-Time infects the Universe. With other Time Lords she travels to the Anti-Verse in the hope of finding a way to stop the flow of Anti-Time. But there she is left by Co-ordinator Vansell to the Neverpeople, those the Time Lords have erased from existence, who are planning to send Anti-Time to Gallifrey. However she helps the Doctor activate the TARDIS and stop the Anti-Time. In the sequel to this ''Zagreus'', Romana II is forced to banish the
Eighth Doctor The Eighth Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Paul McGann. The character was introduced in the 1996 TV film ''Doctor Who'', a back-door p ...
from the universe as he has become a danger to it following his infection by the forces of "anti-time". Following on from this, she is featured in a number of audio plays with former Doctor companion Leela (played by
Louise Jameson Louise Marion Jameson (born 20 April 1951) is an English actress with a variety of television and theatre credits. Her roles on television have included playing Leela (Doctor Who), Leela in ''Doctor Who'' (1977–1978), Anne Reynolds in ''The O ...
) under the umbrella title of ''Gallifrey''. In the audio series, Romana has to contend with the emergence of a terrorist group known as Free Time, which wants to break the technological monopoly on time travel and threatens not just Gallifrey, but its time travel-capable allies. Romana's progressive policies, including opening the academy to non-Gallifreyans, also face opposition from more conservative elements. Complicating this is the escape of an ancient evil called Pandora from the
Matrix Matrix (: matrices or matrixes) or MATRIX may refer to: Science and mathematics * Matrix (mathematics), a rectangular array of numbers, symbols or expressions * Matrix (logic), part of a formula in prenex normal form * Matrix (biology), the m ...
in the paradoxical form of Romana's first incarnation (played once again by Mary Tamm). Both Romana and the Pandora entity proclaim themselves Imperiatrix of Gallifrey, provoking a civil war. At the war's end, Romana destroys Pandora by trapping her in the Matrix and destroying it. She is also removed from the Presidency. With Gallifrey on the brink of economic and social collapse, as well as in danger of being overrun by a Free Time virus, Romana and her friends flee through several alternate universes. Romana encounters many versions of Gallifrey worse than her own, before finally becoming trapped in one. This Gallifrey is similar, but without the ability to time travel. After their President Romana is assassinated, she assumes her identity, regaining her office, albeit in a different universe. She is eventually able to return to her universe with a cure for the Free Time virus, although the audios then lead into early strikes by the Daleks that are apparently intended to foreshadow the Time War. Big Finish's spin-off line ''The Companion Chronicles'' has featured new performances by both Ward and Tamm in a number of stories set within their respective continuities. Tamm reprised the role of Romana for the final time alongside Tom Baker for a second series of original audio dramas (the first series having featured Leela) set after the Key to Time era. Recorded several months before Tamm's death in 2012, the first of these, ''The Auntie Matter'', was released in January 2013, with a total of seven plays being released up until July 2013. In July 2013 it was announced that
Juliet Landau Juliet Rose Landau (born March 30, 1965) is an American actress, director, producer, and ballerina best known for her role as Drusilla on ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and its spinoff show ''Angel'', the latter appearance earning her a Sat ...
would play a future incarnation of Romana for Big Finish. This version of Romana was introduced in ''Renaissance'', the third chapter of ''Gallifrey VI'', released in October 2013, and was said to come from thousands of years in the future. This version of Romana was later reprised by Landau in the January 2014 audio drama ''Luna Romana'', part of Big Finish's ''Companion Chronicles'' line; Landau also performs the role of Romana I in lieu of the now-deceased Mary Tamm in this story, the narrative intending to present Landau's Romana as looking back on the events of her first incarnation's travels with the Doctor. To avoid confusion with her earlier self, this future Romana volunteers to use the name Lady Trey (taken from one of the middle syllables of her full name). Landau returned to the role once again in ''Gallifrey: Intervention Earth'', a continuation of the ''Gallifrey'' series released in January 2015. This story is revealed in the follow-up ''Enemy Lines'' to depict what happens shortly after Ward's incarnation is forced to regenerate and sees Gallifrey on the brink of another war. However Irving Braxiatel prevents the regeneration so that these events, including the very existence of the Landau incarnation, are undone. In November 2013 it was revealed that Lalla Ward would reprise her role of Romana II alongside former Fourth Doctor Tom Baker and John Leeson as K9 in a pair of audio adaptations of Gareth Roberts Missing Adventure novels ''The Romance of Crime'' and ''The English Way of Death'' in January 2015, to be followed by at a series of new adventures in 2016 and another in 2017. Lalla Ward also returned as Romana II in ''Gallifrey: Enemy Lines'' in 2016, ''Gallifrey: Time War I'' in 2018, ''Gallifrey: Time War II'' in 2019, ''Gallifrey: Time War III'' in 2020, and ''Gallifrey: Time War IV'' in 2021. As well as Gallifrey Romana II also featured in a series set while travelling with the Doctor and Adric in E-Space, the Lost Story '' The Doomsday Contract'', and '' The Eighth of March 2: Protectors of Time''.


Incarnations

During the opening of ''
Destiny of the Daleks ''Destiny of the Daleks'' is the first serial of the 17th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 1 September to 22 September 1979. The story introduces ...
'', three momentary incarnations of Romanain the plot's transition from the Tamm incarnation to the Ward incarnationwere played by uncredited actresses Maggie Armitage, Yvonne Gallagher and Lee Richards.
Doctor Who Magazine ''Doctor Who Magazine'' (abbreviated as ''DWM'') is a magazine devoted to the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. Launched in 1979 as ''Doctor Who Weekly'', the magazine became a monthly publication the following year. In ...
Issue #128 September 1987. UK: Panini


List of appearances


Television

;Season 16 (Romana I) *''
The Ribos Operation ''The Ribos Operation'' is the first serial of the 16th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 2 to 23 September 1978. This serial introduces Mary Tamm ...
'' *''
The Pirate Planet ''The Pirate Planet'' is the second serial of the 16th season in the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 30 September to 21 October 1978. It forms the second seria ...
'' *''
The Stones of Blood ''The Stones of Blood'' is the third serial of the 16th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 28 October to 18 November 1978. Part 4 was broadcast durin ...
'' *''
The Androids of Tara ''The Androids of Tara'' is the fourth serial of the 16th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 25 November to 16 December 1978. The serial is set on t ...
'' *''
The Power of Kroll ''The Power of Kroll'' is the fifth serial of the 16th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 23 December 1978 to 13 January 1979. The serial is set o ...
'' *''
The Armageddon Factor ''The Armageddon Factor'' is the sixth and final serial of the The Key to Time, 16th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in six weekly parts on BBC One, BBC1 from 20 January to 24 Febr ...
'' ;Season 17 (Romana II) *''
Destiny of the Daleks ''Destiny of the Daleks'' is the first serial of the 17th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 1 September to 22 September 1979. The story introduces ...
'' *''
City of Death ''City of Death'' is the second serial of the seventeenth season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor. It was produced by the BBC ...
'' *''
The Creature from the Pit ''The Creature from the Pit'' is the third serial of the 17th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 27 October to 17 November 1979. It was the first se ...
'' *''
Nightmare of Eden ''Nightmare of Eden'' is the fourth serial of the 17th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 24 November to 15 December 1979. The serial is set on the ...
'' *''
The Horns of Nimon ''The Horns of Nimon'' is the fifth and final broadcast serial of the 17th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 22 December 1979 to 12 January 1980. I ...
'' *'' Shada'' (not completed or transmitted) ;Season 18 (Romana II) *''
The Leisure Hive ''The Leisure Hive'' is the first serial of the 18th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 30 August to 20 September 1980. It marks the return of John ...
'' *''
Meglos ''Meglos'' is the second serial of the 18th season of the science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC1 from 27 September to 18 October 1980. In the serial, the Zolfa-Thuran plant Meglos ...
'' *'' Full Circle'' *'' State of Decay'' *''
Warriors' Gate ''Warriors' Gate'' is the fifth serial of the Doctor Who season 18, 18th season of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. It was written by Stephen Gallagher and was first broadcast in four weekly parts on BBC One, BBC1 fr ...
'' ;20th anniversary special *"
The Five Doctors "The Five Doctors" is a special feature-length episode of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', produced in celebration of the programme's 20th anniversary. It had its world premiere in the United States, on the Chicago ...
" (footage from '' Shada'') (Romana II) ;30th anniversary special *''
Dimensions in Time ''Dimensions in Time'' is a charity special crossover between the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'' and the soap opera ''EastEnders.'' The special was broadcast in two parts on 26 and 27 November 1993 and was filmed on lo ...
'' (Romana II)


Audio dramas

; BBV *''K9: The Choice'' (pseudonymous appearance) *''K9: The Search'' (pseudonymous appearance) ;
Big Finish Productions Big Finish Productions is a British company that produces books and radio drama, audio plays (released straight to compact disc and for download in MP3 and m4b format) based, primarily, on science fiction properties. These include ''Doctor Who'' ...
;Romana I *''Gallifrey: Lies'' *''Gallifrey: Pandora'' *''Gallifrey: Insurgency'' *''Gallifrey: Imperiatrix'' *''Gallifrey: Reborn'' *''
Stealers from Saiph ''The Companion Chronicles'' is a sci-fi audio series produced by Big Finish, detailing adventures usually featuring the Doctor, as told by various former companions of his, with only one further voice actor taking part in the narration. It be ...
'' *'' Ferril's Folly'' *''Gallifrey: Reborn'' *''
Tales from the Vault This is a list of audio productions based on the classic era of the long-running British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'' produced by Big Finish Productions. Cast The dramas feature both former actors who portrayed the Doctor ...
'' *''
The Auntie Matter ''The Auntie Matter'' is an audio drama based on the long-running British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. This audio drama was produced by Big Finish Productions. Plot The Doctor and Romana are hiding from the Black Guardia ...
'' *'' The Sands of Life'' *''War Against The Lann'' *''The justice of Jalxar'' *''Phantoms of the Deep'' * ''The Dalek Contract'' * ''The Final Phase'' * ''Luna Romana'' ;Romana II *''
The Apocalypse Element ''The Apocalypse Element'' is a Big Finish Productions audio drama based on the long-running British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. It forms the second serial in the Dalek Empire arc, following on from events in '' The Genocid ...
'' (with the
Sixth Doctor The Sixth Doctor is an incarnation of The Doctor (Doctor Who), the Doctor, the protagonist of the British Science fiction on television, science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Colin Baker. Although his televisual t ...
) *''
Neverland Neverland is a fictional island featured in the works of J. M. Barrie and those based on them. It is an imaginary faraway place where Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, the Lost Boys, and some other imaginary beings and creatures live. ...
'' (with the
Eighth Doctor The Eighth Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Paul McGann. The character was introduced in the 1996 TV film ''Doctor Who'', a back-door p ...
) *''
Zagreus In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Zagreus () was a god sometimes identified with an Orphic Dionysus who was dismembered by the Titans and reborn. In the earliest mention of Zagreus, he is paired with Gaia and called the "highest" god, th ...
'' (with the Eighth Doctor; also holograms based on the Fifth, Sixth and
Seventh Doctor The Seventh Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy. Within the series' narrative, the Doctor is a centuries-o ...
s) *'' Shada'' (webcast on BBCi, later released on CD) *''Gallifrey: Weapon of Choice'' *''Gallifrey: Square One'' *''Gallifrey: The Inquiry'' *''Gallifrey: A Blind Eye'' *''Gallifrey: Lies'' *''Gallifrey: Spirit'' *''Gallifrey: Pandora'' *''Gallifrey: Insurgency'' *''Gallifrey: Imperiatrix'' *''Gallifrey: Fractures'' *''Gallifrey: Warfare'' *''Gallifrey: Appropriation'' *''Gallifrey: Mindbomb'' *''Gallifrey: Panacea'' *'' The Beautiful People'' *'' The Chaos Pool'' (with the
Fifth Doctor The Fifth Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the protagonist of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He is portrayed by Peter Davison. Within the series' narrative, the Doctor is a centuries-old alien Time Lord ...
) *''
The Pyralis Effect ''The Companion Chronicles'' is a sci-fi audio series produced by Big Finish, detailing adventures usually featuring the Doctor, as told by various former companions of his, with only one further voice actor taking part in the narration. It be ...
'' *'' The Invasion of E-Space'' *''Gallifrey: Reborn'' *''Gallifrey: Disassembled'' *''Gallifrey: Annihilation'' *''Gallifrey: Forever'' *''Gallifrey: Extermination'' *''Gallifrey: Renaissance'' *''Gallifrey: Ascension'' *''Luna Romana'' *''Gallifrey: Enemy Lines'' ; Future Romana (a.k.a. Trey) *''Gallifrey: Renaissance'' *''Gallifrey: Ascension'' *''Luna Romana'' *''Gallifrey: Intervention Earth''


Short Trips audios

*''Seven to One'' *''The Old Rogue''


Novels

;
Virgin Missing Adventures The ''Virgin Missing Adventures'' were a series of novels from Virgin Publishing based on the British science-fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', which had been cancelled in 1989, featuring stories set between televised episodes of the pr ...
*''
Goth Opera ''Goth Opera'' is an original ''Doctor Who'' novel, published by Virgin Publishing in their '' Missing Adventures'' range of ''Doctor Who'' novels. It was the first book in that series and a sequel to the '' New Adventure'' book '' Blood Harvest' ...
'' by
Paul Cornell Paul Douglas Cornell (born 18 July 1967) is a British writer. He has worked in television drama and ''Doctor Who'' fiction, being the creator of one of the Doctor's spin-off companions, Bernice Summerfield. Other British television dramas f ...
(Romana II; briefly interacts with the Fifth Doctor) *''
The Romance of Crime ''The Romance of Crime'' is an original novel written by Gareth Roberts (writer), Gareth Roberts and based on the long-running British science fiction on television, science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. It features the Fourth Doctor ...
'' by Gareth Roberts (Romana II) *'' The English Way of Death'' by Gareth Roberts (Romana II) *'' The Shadow of Weng-Chiang'' by David A. McIntee (Romana I) *'' The Well-Mannered War'' by Gareth Roberts (Romana II) ;
Virgin New Adventures The ''Virgin New Adventures'' (NA series, or NAs) are a series of novels from Virgin Publishing based on the British Science fiction on television, science-fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. They continued the story of the Doctor from th ...
*'' Blood Harvest'' by
Terrance Dicks Terrance William Dicks (14 April 1935 – 29 August 2019) was an English author and television screenwriter, script editor and producer. In television, he had a long association with the BBC science-fiction series ''Doctor Who'', working as a ...
(Romana II; meets the Seventh Doctor) *''
Happy Endings A happy ending is a type of plot conclusion. Happy Ending or Happy Endings may also refer to: Film and television * Happy Ending (Schitt's Creek), "Happy Ending" (Schitt's Creek), the 2020 series finale of ''Schitt's Creek'' * Happy Ending (20 ...
'' by Paul Cornell (Romana II; meets the Seventh Doctor) *''
Lungbarrow ''Lungbarrow'' is an original novel written by Marc Platt and based on the long-running British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. Published in Virgin Books' '' New Adventures'' range, it was the last of that range to feature the ...
'' by Marc Platt (Romana II; assigns a mission to the Seventh Doctor) ;
Eighth Doctor Adventures The ''Eighth Doctor Adventures'' (sometimes abbreviated as EDA or referred to as the EDAs) are a series of spin off novels based on the long running BBC science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'' and published under the BBC Books impri ...
*''
The Eight Doctors ''The Eight Doctors'' is a BBC Books original novel written by Terrance Dicks and based on the long-running British science fiction on television, science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. It was the first of the Eighth Doctor Adventure ...
'' by Terrance Dicks (Romana II; meets the Eighth Doctor when he visits the Fourth) *'' The Shadows of Avalon'' by Paul Cornell (Romana III; becomes the Eighth Doctor's enemy) *''
The Ancestor Cell ''The Ancestor Cell'' is a novel by Peter Anghelides and Stephen Cole, based on the science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. It features the Eighth Doctor, Fitz Kreiner, Compassion, and Romana III, as well as a brief appearance of t ...
'' by Peter Anghelides and Stephen Cole (Romana III; ends with her apparent death) ;
Past Doctor Adventures The ''Past Doctor Adventures'' (sometimes known by the abbreviation ''PDA'' or ''PDAs'') were a series of spin-off novels based on the long running BBC science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'' and published under the BBC Books imprint. ...
*''
Tomb of Valdemar A tomb ( ''tumbos'') or sepulchre () is a repository for the remains of the dead. It is generally any structurally enclosed interment space or burial chamber, of varying sizes. Placing a corpse into a tomb can be called ''immurement'', althou ...
'' by Simon Messingham (Romana I; may also appear in a later incarnation) *''Heart of TARDIS'' by Dave Stone (Romana I; briefly in the presence of the
Second Doctor The Second Doctor is an incarnation of The Doctor (Doctor Who), the Doctor, the protagonist of the British Science fiction on television, science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. He was portrayed by actor Patrick Troughton. Out of his 1 ...
) *'' Festival of Death'' by Jonathan Morris (Romana II)


Short stories

*"Glass" by Tara Samms ('' Short Trips'') *"Return of the Spiders" by Gareth Roberts (''
More Short Trips The BBC ''Short Trips'' books are a collection of short story anthologies published by BBC Books based on the television series ''Doctor Who'', following a pattern established by Virgin Publishing's '' Decalog'' collections. Three volumes were ...
'') *"Special Occasions 1: The Not So Sinister Sponge" by Gareth Roberts and
Clayton Hickman Clayton James Hickman (born 5 January 1977, in Bristol) is a British scriptwriter, magazine editor, journalist and designer. Magazine work and ''DWM'' Hickman's first published work was in '' SFX''. Hickman officially joined the magazine indu ...
('' Short Trips and Sidesteps'') *"Special Occasions 2: Do You Love Anyone Enough?" by Norman Ashby (''Short Trips and Sidesteps'') *"Special Occasions 3: Better Watch Out: Better Take Care" by Steve Burford (''Short Trips and Sidesteps'') *"Special Occasions 4: Playing with Toys" by
David Agnew "David Agnew" is a pen name that was employed on BBC television drama programmes of the 1970s as a scriptwriting credit. Conditions of use The pseudonym "David Agnew" was most often used when the original freelance scriptwriter was unable to ...
(''Short Trips and Sidesteps'') *"I Was A Monster!!!" by
Joseph Lidster Joseph Lidster is an English playwright and screenwriter, best known for his work on the ''Doctor Who'' spin-off series ''Torchwood'' and '' The Sarah Jane Adventures''. Biography He started his career writing ''Doctor Who'' audio plays for Big ...
('' Short Trips: Zodiac'') *"The Lying Old Witch in the Wardrobe" by Mark Michalowski ('' Short Trips: Companions'') *"Doing Time" by
Lance Parkin Lance Parkin is a British author. He is best known for writing fiction and reference books for television series, in particular ''Doctor Who'' (and spin-offs including the Virgin New Adventures and Faction Paradox) and as a storyliner on ''Emmerda ...
('' Short Trips: Steel Skies'') *"O, Darkness" by John Binns (''Short Trips: Steel Skies'') *"The Time Lord's Story" by Iain McLaughlin and Claire Bartlett ('' Short Trips: Repercussions'') *"The Little Things" by Paul Beardsley ('' Short Trips: A Christmas Treasury'') *"The Clanging Chimes of Doom" by Jonathan Morris (''Short Trips: A Christmas Treasury'') *"Present Tense" by
Ian Potter Sir William Ian Potter (25 August 190224 October 1994), known as Ian Potter, was an Australian stockbroker, businessman and philanthropist. Potter was knighted in 1962. The Ian Potter Foundation, which he established in 1964, has made grants to ...
(''Short Trips: A Christmas Treasury'') *"Suitors, Inc." by Paul Magrs ('' Short Trips: Seven Deadly Sins'') *"Life from Lifelessness" by
Keith R.A. DeCandido Keith Robert Andreassi DeCandido (born April 18, 1969) is an American science fiction and fantasy writer and musician, who works on comic books, novels, role-playing games and video games, including numerous media tie-in books for properties such ...
('' Short Trips: Destination Prague'') *"The Glarn Strategy" by Brian Dooley ('' Short Trips: Snapshots'') *"All Snug in Their Beds" by Scott Alan Woodard ('' Short Trips: The Ghosts of Christmas'') *"Good Queen, Bad Queen, I Queen, You Queen" by Terri Osborne ('' Short Trips: The Quality of Leadership'') *"Breadcrumbs" by James Moran ('' Short Trips: Transmissions'')


Comics

*"Terror on Xaboi" by Paul Crompton (''Doctor Who Annual 1980'') – 1st incarnation *"The Weapon" by Paul Crompton (''Doctor Who Annual 1980'') – 1st incarnation *"Every Dog Has His Day" by Mel Powell (''Doctor Who Annual 1981'') – 2nd incarnation *"Victims" by
Dan Abnett Daniel P. Abnett ( ; born 12 October 1965) is an English comic book writer and novelist. He has been a frequent collaborator with fellow writer Andy Lanning, and has worked on books for both Marvel Comics, and their UK imprint, Marvel UK, since ...
, Colin Andrew and Enid Orc (''
Doctor Who Magazine ''Doctor Who Magazine'' (abbreviated as ''DWM'') is a magazine devoted to the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. Launched in 1979 as ''Doctor Who Weekly'', the magazine became a monthly publication the following year. In ...
'' 212–214) – 2nd incarnation *"The Seventh Segment" by Gareth Roberts,
Paul Peart Paul Peart (also known as Paul Peart-Smith) is a British comics artist who has done some work for '' 2000 AD'', Nelson, H.P Lovecraft, and many other publications. Bibliography *''Judge Hershey'': "Down Time" (with Dave Stone, in ''Judge Dred ...
and Elitta Fell (''Doctor Who Magazine'' Summer Special 1995) – 1st incarnation


Notes


References


External links


Romana I on the BBC's ''Doctor Who'' website

Romana II on the BBC's ''Doctor Who'' website
{{Doctor Who characters, selected=Companions Television characters introduced in 1978 Time Lords Doctor Who companions Female characters in drama television series Fictional psychologists Fictional politicians in television