Exploring Mrs. Flood from Doctor Who and Her Classic Era Connections

Warning: contains spoilers for Doctor Who Empire of Death.

One question left unanswered by Doctor Who‘s series 14 finale is the true identity of Mrs. Flood. Anita Dobson’s character first appeared in the 2023 Christmas special The Church on Ruby Road, leaving fans to speculate ever since.

At the end of Empire of Death, Mrs. Flood returns for another enigmatic moment, appearing Mary Poppins-style on a Notting Hill rooftop, holding a brolly and speaking directly to the camera: And that’s how the story of the church on Ruby Road comes to an end, with a very happy ending for little Ruby Sunday. But life goes on, doesn’t it? Ruthlessly. What happens, you might wonder? Oh, what happens to that mysterious traveler in time and space known as the Doctor? I’m sorry to say his story ends in absolute terror. [Smiles] Night-night.

Romana and Her Distinctive Style

Romana, or Romanadvoratrelundar, is a Gallifreyan Time Lord who traveled with the Fourth Doctor in seasons 16 to 18. Played by Mary Tamm and later Lalla Ward, Romana has become a beloved character among Doctor Who fans. From her first appearance in 1978’s The Ribos Operation, Romana wore a distinctive long hooded white fur cloak—a look that Mrs. Flood seems to echo.

Romana II’s Dramatic Exit

Lalla Ward’s Romana II made her final TV appearance in the 1981 serial Warrior’s Gate. She chose to stay behind and become the Time Lord of enslaved people known as Tharil. If Romana survived the genocide described by Fifteen in The Devil’s Chord, it’s plausible that Mrs. Flood could be her regeneration.

A Deeper Connection?

This is hinted at in Mrs. Flood’s comments about always “hiding away”. Time Lords change faces to hide themselves away, as Fifteen tells Ruby:

#DoctorWhoMarathon Ep 480 – The Ribos Operation 1/4 (Serial 5A Story 98) mentions Lalla Ward as Romana II in Warriors Gate.

If Not Romana, Then Who?

If Mrs. Flood isn’t Romana, then who is she? A proud young achiever right out of the Academy, Romana initially clashed with the Fourth Doctor but later became a close companion. Despite their differences with time, they parted amicably.

Mrs. Flood’s imperious words to Cherry Sunday—Tell your maker I will come to storm down his gates of gold and seize his kingdom in my true name—seem more fitting for a god of the Pantheon than a former companion.