Summary

Alan Cumming to guest star in Doctor Who season 2 as Mr. Ring-a-Ding, a cartoon character.
Cumming's role is unique, potentially only voice acting, unlike anything seen in Doctor Who before.
Season 2 of Doctor Who crucial for franchise's future; third season's fate hinges on success and viewer support.

Doctor Who season two will premiere on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and anticipation is building toward the return of this iconic science fiction show. Ncuti Gatwa will reprise his role as the popular Time Lord, and he will have a new companion, Belinda Chandra by his side. Other familiar faces, such as Ruby Sunday, will also be returning in what promises to be another exciting season of Doctor Who.

Something that audiences have come to expect from the franchise at this point is memorable guest appearances, and the upcoming Doctor Who season promises to deliver just that. One name who has been confirmed is Alan Cumming, and details have now emerged of who he will be playing in the show.

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By Matthew Wilkinson

Who Will Alan Cumming Play In Doctor Who?

Cumming is an iconic actor who has appeared in all manner of television shows and movies throughout his career, from X2 and Goldeneye to Black Beauty and the Spy Kids franchise. Cumming is a Laurence Olivier winner for Best Comedy Performance and someone who will attract a lot of eyes to Doctor Who simply due to being cast. Audiences won't have to wait long for the Emmy Award winner either, as he is set to guest star in the second episode of the season.

However, his role is a rather unique one as he is playing Mr Ring-a-Ding, who is a cartoon character. BBC released some information about the character, which gives a glimpse at what the episode will entail:

"He's a happy, funny, singalong cartoon who lives in Sunny Town with his friend Sunshine Sally. However, in 1952, after years of repeats in cinemas across the land, Mr Ring-a-Ding suddenly looks beyond the screen and sees the real world outside - and the consequences are terrifying."

It's unclear whether Cumming will physically appear at any stage in order to transform into Mr. Ring-a-Ding, or if his role in Doctor Who will be simply voice acting. However, the visual tease of the character is undoubtedly interesting and unlike anything that has been done before in Doctor Who. This was the character that had most people talking from the teaser trailer as it could be seen stepping out of the big screen and into reality, which could create a terrifying experience for the audience. It's obvious that Cumming will be portraying the villain of that particular episode, and that's something to look forward to. The showrunner, Russell T Davies, even teased the character by telling the BBC:

"Only Alan Cumming could give a runaway cartoon so much wit, malice, danger, and fun. He makes the whole universe of Doctor Who wilder and madder than ever, and it's an absolute honor to welcome him on board the TARDIS."

This Will Be Alan Cumming's Second Doctor Who Appearance

Typically, when an actor guest stars on Doctor Who, they don't get to return to play different roles because the show looks to avoid confusion. However, this will be the second time that Cumming has been part of the show, and the fact that this is potentially just a voice role could explain why. He last appeared on the episode "The Witchfinders" in 2018. During that time, he played the role of King James I, who battled Jodie Whittaker's version of the Doctor in a game of wits. His performance was widely praised, and people were entertained by what he brought to the table, which is evident from the fact that he's been invited back.

This Is An Important Season Of Doctor Who

The upcoming season of Doctor Who promises to be important amid rumors of the show being axed and Gatwa leaving. It has been claimed that a third season is up in the air right now and hinges on this season's success from a viewership perspective. Gatwa has apparently filmed a regeneration scene that could be used during what is a scary time for fans of the franchise. Even though people are excited about more Doctor Who content, the possibility of the show being put on ice for several years is worrying and upsetting for many people. That's why it's important that guest stars such as Cumming are able to bring their audience with them to try and expose even more viewers to the series.

Despite reports about Doctor Who's future, the viewing figures were good for BBC and Disney Plus for last season, which is a positive sign. However, the lack of commitment for a third season is going to have people up in arms about the show until it becomes a fact. That's why this season is going to be crucial, with audiences wanting to be wowed by what they see on-screen. That means there must be compelling villains, humor, heart, and plenty of mystery. Those are all things that Doctor Who normally delivers with ease, and if the teases of Mr. Ring-a-Ding are anything to go by, this season of Doctor Who should be no different.

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