Nina Wadia talks 'Doctor Who' cameo

The new series of Who is hardly short on guest stars. Ian McNeice is on board as Dalek-lover Winston Churchill, Bill Nighy will have a starring role in Richard Curtis's Van Gogh episode and the mighty Alex Kingston is reprising her role as River Song for multiple episodes across the series. The first episode also boasts a few celeb cameos, from One Foot In The Grave's Annette Crosbie to DS fave Nina 'Zainab' Wadia. We caught up with the EastEnders star to find out more about her guest spot.

How did the part come about?
"I'd worked with Adam Smith, who is a director of the new series of Doctor Who, before on Skins. I played Dev's mum. I assume that's how I got it, because I worked with him before and we had a blast together. I got a call from my agent saying 'Would you like to be in Doctor Who?' and I went 'Are you kidding?! Of course!' I wouldn't say no to that!'"

What can you tell us about your role?
"The character's different to Zainab, only in the way I dress and the fact that I don't have an Indian accent! She's not a pleasant woman. She's a psychiatric doctor and she's in a very cut suit and harsh glasses with her hair scraped back. She doesn't believe it when Rory, a young nurse, says 'These coma patients are speaking'. I'm going 'Don't be ridiculous, that's not possible.' She's very intolerant of him. Then there's a very surreal moment when it all comes to light that these guys may be coma patients - but they're pretty alert!""

As you said she works with Rory, who's Amy's boyfriend. We know he's back later in the series, so is there any chance of you coming back?
"I think it would be quite magical if she did! I had so much fun working with this team of people. It's a fabulous, fabulous cameo and I really enjoyed it."

Had you seen the show much before?
"I have seen the last series with David Tennant but I didn't used to watch it prior to that. I only got into it because of David. Science fiction is not normally my bag - it's unusual that I do like it."

Obviously this is the first episode of the new series, which is hugely anticipated. Was there much security around the script?
"Oh my gosh, and then some! It had my name stamped all over it so if it got left on a train or got lost somewhere they'd know who to blame! Huge security - it was sent only by courier, a scene was emailed to me and again my name was stamped all over it! There was no chance it could be sent out to anyone. To be honest I'm actually quite good like that. I love keeping the secrets because I think it makes it much more powerful for the audience."

What was Matt like to work with? What sort of a Doctor is he?
"My scenes weren't with him but I met him at the read-through and he was just lovely."

Can you tease us with one line from your character?
"Watch out for the barking… that's all I'm going to say!"

What are your theories on the barking? Add your comments to this entry below!

Additional reporting by Kris Green