Who is Varada Sethu? Meet the new Doctor Who companion

However, there have been reports that the star could appear sooner in the series – so watch this space!

The actress is certainly no stranger to sci-fi, so if you want to catch up on where you might have seen her before, read on!

Here's everything you need to know.

Who is Varada Sethu?

Sethu is an actress who has already made her mark across TV and film before coming to Doctor Who.

Born in Kerala, India, she moved to the North East of England at a young age with her family, including her twin sister Abhaya.

She grew up as part of the National Youth Theatre and, after studying veterinary medicine and physiology at university, continued with her acting dreams at London's Identity School of Acting.

What has Varada Sethu previously starred in?

Sethu's most prominent role has so far been Cinta Kaz in Disney Plus's highly acclaimed Star Wars series Andor.

Previously opening up to The Hindu, Sethu chatted about her character Cinta, saying: "She was written as someone who does not speak a lot, but when she does, she holds a presence.

"I think Vel (played by Faye Marsay) was described in the script as someone who is physically powerful and commanding, and Cinta is the one who looks meek, and may not be capable of violence. So, it's a shock when people see her in action, which also ties into the ideology of women slipping under the radar."

Early on in her career, Sethu took on a role in Doctors, before appearing in the 2016 TV movie A Midsummer Night's Dream. The same year, she appeared in Now You See Me 2, and in three episodes of New Blood.

In 2017, she played Aisha in the popular drama Doctor Foster, before landing a starring role in BBC apocalypse thriller Hard Sun.

In 2019, Sethu appeared in the series Hanna, before starring in Strike Back from 2019 to 2020. Going back to sci-fi, Sethu appeared in Jurassic World: Dominion in 2022. The same year, she appeared in the film I Came By, and played Cinta in Andor.

Most recently, Sethu has played DC Harper Weston in Annika and Rani Toor in Mrs Sidhu Investigates – and now she's filming season 15 of Doctor Who!

Is Varada Sethu the new Doctor Who companion?

Yes! Sethu's casting as the new companion was confirmed in April 2024.

She said about her casting: "I feel like the luckiest person in the world. It is such an honour to be a part of the Whoniverse, and I'm so grateful to the whole Doctor Who family - because that is what they are - for welcoming me with open arms and making me feel so at home.

"I couldn't ask for a better team than Ncuti and Millie to be on this adventure with, this is SO much fun!"

Showrunner, executive producer and writer Russell T Davies said: "I first worked with Varada on a BBC production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and it's a joy to welcome her on board the TARDIS.

"Right now in the studio, shooting for 2025, we've got Ncuti, Millie and Varada fighting side by side - we need all three because the stakes are higher than ever!"

While we don't know the name of Sethu's character just yet, she's been seen filming with Gatwa in Penarth, which was dressed to look like 1950s America.

The pair were spotted running hand-in-hand and we can't wait to see what their adventures will hold!

How old is Varada Sethu?

Sethu is 32 years old - she was born in 1992.

Is Varada Sethu on Instagram?

Yes! Her Instagram handle is @varadasethu.

Is Varada Sethu on X/Twitter?

No, she doesn't have a public X/Twitter profile at the moment.

Doctor Who will return in May. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.

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