Meet Varada Sethu: The vibey actress set to be the new Doctor Who companion

Over the weekend, the telly world was a bit rocked when the news started being reported that Millie Gibson had already left the upcoming new era of Doctor Who as Ncuti Gatwa’s 15th Doctor companion Ruby Sunday. In her place, allegedly, comes Varada Sethu – the actress taking up Gibson’s spot in the Tardis and bringing a new vibe to the show. It’s not uncommon for a companion to only have one season with the Doctor, but sources are saying Russell T Davies wants to keep things moving. But who is Varada Sethu? Here’s everything you need to know about Varada Sethu before her official Doctor Who announcement and debut.

She was spotted shooting with Ncuti Gatwa this week

🚨BREAKING – New #DoctorWho Filming!#SPOILERS – Ncuti Gatwa & Varada Sethu on the set of Doctor Who Season 2 filming (Series 15)!#dwsr

pic.twitter.com/Z9SWZ5RvYR

— Tardis Central (@Tardis_Central) January 22, 2024

Ncuti and Varada have all but confirmed the rumours of Gibson’s departure this week when they were seen filming on Penarth Pier in what people have reported being “explosive scenes”. It’s all very 1950s, I mean… look at how good they look in this picture.

Varada Sethu and Ncuti Gatwa filming next year's Doctor Who, courtesy of The Mirror. It feels wrong to be seeing this when we haven't even seen his first season with Millie Gibson yet! (They do look dapper, though.) pic.twitter.com/toeOpb2csu

— Paul Burley (@PaulBurleyFFS) January 23, 2024

Who is Varada Sethu?

Varada Sethu is a 31 year old actress who was born in India but moved to North East England when she was at a very young age. She was raised near Newcastle and did a lot of youth theatre growing up before getting her first acting role in 2010. Also in 2010, she won the title of “Miss Newcastle” which is actually high camp.

What are Varada Sethu’s big acting roles?

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Varada is best known for her role in the Disney+ Star Wars universe spin-off Andor, where she’s a lead cast member and plays Cinta Kaz. She also had a lead role in Hard Sun, had a recurring role in season two of Doctor Foster and played Michael Caine’s assistant in Now You See Me 2.

Her Instagram is major vibes

I just know Varada Sethu going to be serving icon in that Doctor Who Tardis, if her Instagram is anything to go by.

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