Millie Gibson returned to Doctor Who this week, reprising her role as Ruby in the episode “Lucky Day.” The episode focuses on Ruby trying to move on with her life after the exciting but traumatic events she experienced while traveling in the TARDIS. Conrad, played by Jonah Hauer-King, enters Ruby’s life as a romantic interest with his own history with the Doctor. However, things take a twist when Conrad’s seemingly innocent podcasting reveals a darker side linked to a conspiracy network.
Gibson spoke about her return and the twists in “Lucky Day.” She said returning to the character felt like coming home and it was intriguing to explore Ruby dealing with post-traumatic stress after traveling with the Doctor and trying to return to normal life. Gibson adjusted her performance to reflect Ruby’s new maturity, as she plays her own age. She found the Doctor-lite episode exciting and daunting, but felt less nervous this time around because she knew her character and the space she was in.
The read-through for the episode was the best Gibson had ever been to, with everyone’s reaction to the twist being priceless. She thought it was a cool twist and unlike what some fans might have predicted. Gibson also spoke about the growing, somewhat maternal relationship between Ruby and Kate, played by Jemma Redgrave.
She loves the dynamic between the two characters and would love to explore it further. Having done more grounded work in The Forsyte Saga, Gibson is open to both special-effects-heavy sci-fi/fantasy franchise material and grounded drama.
Millie returns as Ruby
She sees Doctor Who as the best training ground and is equipped for more fantasy, but would be grateful for any opportunity. Season 2, Episode 4, “Lucky Day,” is now streaming on Disney+. The episode was a Doctor-lite episode that hit similar beats to a previous episode, but Gibson’s performance and the tension once UNIT was on the scene made it work.
The episode touched upon modern phenomena like doxing, livestreaming, and the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories. The real monsters in the episode were all human. Gibson is set to return for the finale episodes, Episodes 7 and 8.
She said filming with everyone again after some time felt great, like seeing a friend after a few years. The dynamic between Ruby, the Doctor, and new companion Belinda changes, but all for the better, with beautiful friendships forming. The mysterious Mrs.
Flood continues to be a presence, and Gibson was “shooketh to her core” by the character’s arc. As for Ruby’s future, Gibson pictures her taking time away, possibly in a companions rehab center referred by Kate. Doctor Who airs Saturdays on Disney+.
