Christina Chong is still being recognized for a role she played in one episode of Doctor Who 15 years ago. The actress, who appeared as Lorna Bucket in the 2011 episode “A Good Man Goes to War,” tells TV Insider that fans still remember her time on the BBC show.
The episode was a major turning point during Matt Smith’s run as the Doctor. It revealed that River Song (Alex Kingston) is the daughter of Amy (Karen Gillan) and Rory (Arthur Darvill). It also brought back Lorna Bucket, a soldier on the asteroid base Demon’s Run, whom the Doctor met when she was a child. Chong says the role carried more weight than she expected at the time.
“I didn’t realize it was going to be such a memorable character, but I still get people today who are like, ‘Oh my God, that’s Lorna Bucket.’ Looking at Star Trek thinking, ‘That’s Lorna Bucket,'” Chong says. “I’m like, ‘Wow, I was only in one episode.’ I’m very grateful for that.”
Lorna Bucket’s Big Scene
Lorna Bucket dies after switching sides. She is also the one who gives Amy the stitched prayer leaf that bears her daughter’s name, Melody Pond, in the language of the people in the Gamma Forests. When translated, it reveals the name of River Song.
Chong remembers the production fondly. She says the episode felt like an ensemble piece, with many people involved. She also got her first look at alien prosthetics, even though she wasn’t in those scenes.
“There was a parade. I remember watching a parade of these aliens,” she says. “I think the director must have been checking them, or they maybe had them on camera to see what they looked like on camera. I remember seeing this parade of aliens walk out and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m in Doctor Who. That’s crazy.'”
Doctor Who References on Strange New Worlds
Chong’s comments come as fans have noticed some Doctor Who references on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Carol Kane’s character Pelia has drawn comparisons to the Time Lord’s world.
Chong admits she was disappointed that those references never turned into a crossover. She even offered to be the bridge between the two shows.
“I’m just upset they never got to do a crossover. I was like, ‘Guys, hello. I can be the one to bridge the gap,'” she says. “Who knows? It could still happen.”
What the Role Gave Her
Chong’s experience on Doctor Who was positive. She remembers everyone being kind and welcoming. She also remembers the scale of the production.
“It was an amazing time.”
The episode also gave her a memorable line. When the Doctor tells Lorna he remembers her, she runs with him.
For now, Chong is enjoying being remembered as Lorna Bucket. One episode, one character, and still making waves.
- Fans still recognize Chong for her Doctor Who work.
- The Star Trek references have drawn attention, but no crossover has materialized.
- Chong is grateful for the role and the memories it gave her.
Chong’s story is a reminder that a small role can have a long life.
The Star Trek connection adds another layer. Chong’s willingness to pitch a crossover shows she is still invested in the Doctor Who world. Whether that pitch ever comes to fruition is anyone’s guess.
For now, Chong is enjoying being remembered as Lorna Bucket. One episode, one character, and still making waves.
Source material: “Christina Chong Looks Back on Her ‘Doctor Who’ Episode,” TV Insider.
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