Who is Mrs Flood in Doctor Who? These missable costume details suddenly make her the show’s most interesting mystery in years

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Dressed to impress

Doctor Who
(Image credit: BBC)

Now that the identity of Ruby Sunday’s mother has been revealed during the Doctor Who Empire of Death ending, you might think it’s safe to assume that the show’s mystery well has dried up. Think again. 

Anita Dobson’s Mrs Flood has already been the source of much speculation. That was intensified further in the recent finale as she told Cherry Sunday, "Tell your maker I will come to storm down the gates of gold and seize his kingdom in my true name."

At the episode’s end, she added a dire warning for the Doctor, proclaiming that his story ends in "absolute terror".

It’s the fluffy white coat Mrs Flood wears during the closing moments of Empire of Death, though, that is most intriguing. That’s a standout get-up first worn by Romana, a Time Lord companion of Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor.

Romana’s more benevolent nature, however, could rule her out – but Mrs Flood has made reference to hiding herself away. A Time Lord from Gallifrey staying out of sight does make a whole lot of sense.

Another perhaps more compelling theory is that Mrs Flood is the God of Stories.

After all, this season of Doctor Who has been very much concerned with the pantheon, from Toymaker and Maestro, all the way through to Sutekh. A fourth-wall breaking villain who plays with elements of the Doctor’s history would be a perfect foil for Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor in his second season.

Still, the jury is out on this one. Much like Doctor Who’s other burning questions, it appears it will be some time before we get the answer. Doctor Who season 2 – technically the 15th of the reboot era – has finished filming and will see Millie Gibson’s Ruby Sunday return as a companion alongside Varada Sethu, who previously appeared in this year’s ‘Boom’ as Mundy Flynn.

A Christmas special, penned by Steven Moffat and starring Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan, will air over the festive season.

For more, check out our guide to 2024’s new TV shows.

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell
Senior Entertainment Writer

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.