A 2006 episode of Doctor Who, featuring David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor, has made its return to BBC iPlayer after being removed last year. The episode, titled “Fear Her,” stars Billie Piper as his companion, Rose Tyler, and revolves around mysterious disappearances linked to a young girl’s possessed drawings during the 2012 London Olympics. Initially taken down in August 2024 due to Huw Edwards’ cameo as a newsreader, the episode now features significant changes to address ethical concerns associated with Edwards’ past.
The removal came after Edwards pleaded guilty to charges involving indecent images of children. The BBC has now reinstated “Fear Her,” but with a twist: actor Becky Wright has replaced the disgraced newsreader in various scenes. Known for her work in Doctor Who audio dramas, Wright now provides new narration for the news segments that originally featured Edwards. While the main storyline remains untouched, specific dialogues have been modified to incorporate this casting adjustment, showcasing the BBC’s commitment to preserving its archive while responding to significant societal issues.
The reintroduction of “Fear Her” underscores the balancing act the BBC is trying to achieve. Originally aired over a decade ago, Edwards’ role as a news anchor lent a sense of legitimacy to his appearance in the episode. However, in light of his misconduct, the network took decisive action to eliminate any problematic associations. With Wright stepping in, the story can continue to be part of the Doctor Who legacy, free from the taint of Edwards’ involvement.
In its original run, Edwards played himself, appearing briefly to present news coverage of the mysterious events depicted in the episode. Now, his lines have been entirely replaced by Wright, who has a robust background in voice acting and has participated in various Doctor Who podcasts. Her extensive work with Big Finish Productions, known for its Doctor Who audio content, makes her an ideal fit to seamlessly restore the episode for audiences. With her contributions, “Fear Her” can maintain its place within the Doctor Who catalog while distancing itself from controversial figures.
The BBC’s decision to edit and reinstate “Fear Her” reflects a proactive stance on content management and ethical accountability. By re-casting Edward’s role, the network aligns the episode with contemporary values, honoring its legacy while ensuring accessibility for viewers. With Wright’s engaging performance, fans of David Tennant’s Doctor Who can appreciate the episode without the troubling implications that originally prompted its removal. This thoughtful approach shows the BBC’s dedication to both preserving quality content and addressing the complexities of historical figures in media.
