Doctor Who: Who Is Melanie Bush?

Highlights

Doctor Who fans were pleasantly surprised by the return of classic series companion Mel Bush in the 60th-anniversary special.
Mel, played by Bonnie Langford, was a regular on the show from 1986 to 1987 and made her debut in Season 23.
Mel's energetic personality, high-pitched screams, and technical skills added a unique layer to the show's narrative during the Sixth and Seventh Doctor eras.

Doctor Who gave fans a warm surprise by bringing back a classic series companion in its 60th-anniversary special, which aired earlier this month. Melanie "Mel" Bush, played by Bonnie Langford, was a companion of the Sixth Doctor and Seventh Doctor. She was a regular in the sci-fi program from 1986 to 1987. She made her debut appearance in the Doctor Who Season 23 "Terror of the Vervoids," which was part of the 14-episode story The Trial of a Time Lord. She returned in "The Ultimate Foe" episode and in Season 24 for "Time and the Rani," "Paradise Towers," "Delta and the Bannermen," and "Dragonfire." In addition to from appearances on TV, she was part of Doctor Who: The Monthly Adventures audio dramas.

Langford reprised her role in the show's 30th anniversary special "Dimensions in Time," but wasn't seen in the reboot until recently. In the 2022 special "The Power of the Doctor," she made a cameo as a member of the support group for previous companions. Mel made her most recent appearance in "The Giggle," which aired on December 9, 2023. This is the first time that many modern-day viewers have been introduced to Mel, and many are curious about her history with the Doctor.

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Who Is Melanie 'Mel' Bush?

Melanie Bush, often referred to simply as Mel, traveled with the Sixth and Seventh Doctors. She is a computer programmer from Pease, Pottage, West Sussex, with a keen interest in fitness and exercise. Her expertise in computer technology presumably became a valuable asset during her travels with The Doctor. However, it never came up in the show, except for one time when The Doctor mentioned that she was the "computer expert." Other than that, she never went near a computer and never even touched the TARDIS console.

Mel was characterized by her bubbly personality, enthusiasm, and penchant for colloquial phrases. Her energetic and positive nature served as a stark contrast to the more bombastic and unpredictable Sixth Doctor, portrayed by Colin Baker. She was also popular for her high-octave screams in multiple episodes.

Mel's screams were characterized by their high pitch and urgency, employed by the show's writers and directors to heighten tension during critical moments in the plot. In the context of Doctor Who, a sense of humor often coexists with moments of genuine suspense. In these moments, viewers will hear Mel's screams, whether facing menacing monsters, encountering unexpected dangers, or finding herself in the midst of a crisis. Her screams became an audible cue for the audience to anticipate and react to imminent danger.

It's worth noting that reactions to Mel's screams were not universally positive. Some viewers found them amusing or even excessive. They were a distinctive, but occasionally overused, aspect of her character. Nevertheless, Mel's screams added a unique layer to the show's narrative. They became part of her character's legacy and contributed to the overall charm of the Sixth and Seventh Doctor eras.

In June, showrunner Russell T Davies announced her return to the show in its 60th anniversary special:

Open those TARDIS doors wide, because Bonnie’s back! [...] And this isn’t just a cameo, Bonnie is right in the thick of the action, battling monsters and chaos and cliffhangers, right at the Doctor's side, just like the old day.

Langford expressed her joy and excitement about returning to the series.

I am absolutely thrilled to be bringing Melanie Bush back. To be part of the exceptional cast, crew and production team led by the force of nature that is Russell T. Davies is a career highlight. I’m so privileged and proud to have been a member of the Doctor Who family since the classic era and to be included in the new generation is phenomenal.

Melanie's Encounter and Adventures With The Doctor

Mel's first encounter with The Sixth Doctor was rather unconventional. She was caught up in the Doctor's trial on Gallifrey, accused of meddling in time. Despite the circumstances, Mel quickly established herself as an integral part of the Doctor's adventures. The Sixth Doctor and Mel shared a dynamic marked by banter and camaraderie, with The Doctor often bemused by Mel's boundless energy.

When the Sixth Doctor regenerated into The Seventh Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) in "Time and the Rani," Mel continued her travels with the Doctor. The transition between the two Doctors brought about a change in dynamic. The Seventh Doctor was more mysterious and enigmatic, and Mel's role evolved to adapt to this new iteration. Despite the change, their partnership remained strong.

Together, The Seventh Doctor and Mel faced various challenges across time and space. One notable adventure was "Dragonfire," where they encountered the enigmatic Kane on the icy planet Svartos. Mel's technical skills proved essential in unraveling the mysteries they faced. Their travels also took them to the bustling Iceworld in "Delta and the Bannermen," where Mel's enthusiasm starkly contrasted the story's darker and more complex narrative. Throughout their time together, Mel played a crucial role in The Doctor's adventures, contributing not only her technical expertise but also her unwavering optimism.

Mel's tenure as a companion ended in "Dragonfire," when she decided to stay behind on the planet Iceworld to assist in its transformation. This departure marked the conclusion of her on-screen adventures with The Doctor. However, she remained an integral character, and even made several cameos in the series after Season 24. She returned for a cameo last year for Jodie Whittaker's final episode in "The Power of the Doctor," and her most recent appearance in "The Giggle" was a huge treat for fans.

In this most recent episode, the Fourteenth Doctor enters the UNIT HQ and Mel hands him some papers. He nearly misses her, but does a double take and is pleased to see the person next to him. He gives her a hug as he exclaims:

Oh, no way. Oh, that is the best news. Melanie, hello!

She also helps The Fourteenth Doctor and helps him bi-generate into the Fifteenth Doctor, and watches the as duo defeats the Toymaker. She later visites the Fourteenth Doctor, who chose to retire, and Donna Noble's family. It was a heartwarming reunion for the duo because Mel was among The Doctor's old companions, and it had been a long time since they were together. The joy was evident in The Doctor's face, making the episode even more special.

After they reunited at UNIT, Mel told the Doctor the story of how she ended up working at UNIT. According to her, she traveled the stars, and when Sabalom Glitz passed away, it was a sign for her to return to Earth. However, her family was already gone. She found purpose when Kate Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) offered her a job, which paved the way for their reunion.

Melanie Bush, with her infectious energy and technological acumen, remains a memorable companion in Doctor Who's rich history, contributing to the show's diverse characters and adventures. For many, her story lacked depth; however every time she returned, it always warmed the audience's heart. Langford portrayed the character well and captured fans' interest, leading longtime fans to cheer when she returned. Happily, she will return in next season with Ncuti Gatwa as The Fifteenth Doctor.

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