Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Mel Bush

Melanie "Mel" Bush is a fictional human companion in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, portrayed by actress Bonnie Langford. A bright and bubbly computer programmer from Pease Pottage, Sussex, in the 20th century, Mel first appeared in 1986 during the serial The Trial of a Time Lord as a key witness in the Sixth Doctor's trial, and she traveled with him and his successor, the Seventh Doctor, until departing in 1987's Dragonfire. Known for her cheerful disposition, keep-fit enthusiasm, and attempts to encourage healthier habits in her companions—such as promoting exercise and carrot juice—Mel is depicted as an intelligent and resourceful individual with a BSc (Hons) in computer science. After her initial run, Mel returned to the series in a cameo role in the 2022 special , reuniting with multiple incarnations of the Doctor during a multi-Doctor event. She reappeared in the 2023 60th anniversary special , where she established herself as a dedicated operative for (United Nations Intelligence Taskforce) in the present day, leveraging her technical skills to combat extraterrestrial threats alongside the Fourteenth and s. She continued her UNIT duties, aiding the in the 2024 episodes The Legend of Ruby Sunday and Empire of Death against threats including the and Sutekh. This modern portrayal highlights Mel's growth into a professional and purposeful figure on contemporary Earth, contrasting her earlier adventurous youth. Her character arc spans classic and modern eras of , embodying themes of optimism, loyalty, and adaptation across time and regenerations.

Biography

Early life and introduction

Melanie Jane "Mel" Bush originated from the village of in , , during the . She was a student and skilled , reflecting the era's growing interest in technology. Mel was known for her enthusiastic commitment to healthy living, including a vegetarian diet, regular , and promoting exercise and consumption to others. Her bubbly personality and high energy made her a vibrant presence, often marked by an optimistic and inquisitive nature. Mel made her first on-screen appearance in the 1986 serial "Terror of the Vervoids," part of the Doctor Who season The Trial of a Time Lord. In this story, she was introduced as an existing companion and old friend of the Sixth Doctor, whom she had met off-screen prior to the events depicted, showcasing her immediate curiosity about the TARDIS and its wonders.

Travels with the Sixth Doctor

Melanie Bush, or Mel, joined the as a prior to the events of the 1986 serial The Trial of a Time Lord, where she was introduced as a future travel partner summoned from the Doctor's timeline by the to testify at his trial for interfering in the affairs of other worlds. In the segment known as "Terror of the Vervoids," Mel and the Doctor find themselves aboard the luxury space liner Hyperion III en route from Mogar to , where they uncover a series of murders and a conspiracy involving genetically engineered plant-based lifeforms called Vervoids, created as subservient labor but maturing into deadly killers. Mel's background in proves crucial as she hacks into the ship's systems to access passenger records and deduce the Vervoids' origins, aiding the Doctor in exposing the by human scientists and ultimately forcing him to destroy the creatures to prevent a , an act later scrutinized by as genocide during the trial. Her testimony in the broader trial arc highlights moral dilemmas, as she grapples with the Doctor's controversial decisions while defending his character against the prosecution. Mel's on-screen travels with the Sixth Doctor were limited to The Trial of a Time Lord, though additional off-screen adventures occurred before his regeneration, depicted at the start of the following serial Time and the Rani. Throughout their time together, Mel's relationship with the Sixth Doctor was marked by her irrepressible optimism and enthusiasm contrasting sharply with his often irritable and self-centered demeanor, as she frequently attempted to coax a kinder, more empathetic side from him, including persistent efforts to encourage healthier eating habits amid his indulgences in junk food. This dynamic played out in key moments, such as her supportive role during crises where her quick thinking and moral clarity balanced the Doctor's brash arrogance, fostering moments of mutual reliance despite his occasional dismissiveness. Mel's bubbly personality often lightened tense situations, but it also led to frustrations, as she pushed the Doctor toward self-improvement, embodying a nurturing influence on his volatile temperament.

Travels with the Seventh Doctor

Mel Bush's travels with the began immediately after his regeneration from the , as depicted in the "." In this story, set on the planet Lakertya, Mel assists the disoriented Doctor in confronting his old adversary, the , who is conducting experiments to create a time brain using the planet's and local life forms. Mel's expertise in helps decode the Rani's devices and coordinate with the Lakertyans to foil the plan, solidifying her role as a capable during the Doctor's early instability in his new . The pair's subsequent on-screen adventures highlight Mel's continued involvement in high-stakes encounters. In "Paradise Towers," they arrive at a seemingly idyllic but dystopian residential complex, where they unravel a conspiracy involving the authoritarian Great White Guardian, the scheming Pex, and the cannibalistic Rezzies. Mel actively participates in navigating the tower's dangers, allying with the Kangs to expose the regime's secrets and restore order to the community. Their next outing, "," starts as a planned at a 1950s-style camp in but escalates when the Chimeron queen crash-lands, pursued by the genocidal Bannermen. Mel helps safeguard Delta, facilitates communication with the camp's Navarino visitors, and witnesses the birth of Delta's heir, contributing to the Bannermen's defeat through a combination of human ingenuity and alien alliances. These televised stories imply additional off-screen travels between episodes, as the narrative continuity references prior shared experiences that build their partnership without detailing every journey. Mel's time with the culminates in "Dragonfire," set on the frigid trading post Iceworld orbiting the planet Svartos. Amid a for the mythical Dragonfire pursued by the Sabalom Glitz and the shadowy , Mel encounters the young traveler , who joins the crew. In a pivotal moment, Mel elects to depart, choosing to accompany Glitz on his ventures with the intent of reforming his criminal tendencies and forging her own independent path away from time travel. The evolving relationship between and the featured a shift from the more volatile dynamic with his predecessor, with Mel's optimistic and forthright personality serving as a foil to the Seventh Doctor's increasingly enigmatic and manipulative style. This contrast, where Mel often acted as the moral anchor to his whimsical schemes, underscored her growing sense of , culminating in her proactive decision to leave.

Post-Doctor adventures

Following her departure from the in the 1987 Dragonfire, Melanie Bush chose to join the criminal Sabalom Glitz aboard his ship, the Nosferatu II, departing Iceworld with the goal of encouraging him toward legitimate endeavors. This marked the beginning of her independent travels across the galaxy, separate from the Doctor. In the , Mel's adventures with Glitz continued, including exploits detailed in the 2024 novel Doctor Who: Death in the Stars – A Melanie Bush Mystery, where the pair visit a trading amid efforts to promote honest commerce, highlighting Mel's persistent influence on her companion's path. By the 2020s, Mel had returned to , aging into her 50s and building a career leveraging her expertise as a computer , initially through independent tech consulting before formalizing her role within international organizations. Mel reappeared on television in the 2022 centenary special The Power of the Doctor, reuniting briefly with the Thirteenth Doctor during a gathering of former companions organized to counter the Master's Cybermaster scheme. Portrayed as significantly more composed and reflective than her youthful self, this cameo underscored her personal evolution over decades away from time travel. Her television arc extended in 2023 with The Giggle, where Mel served as a scientific advisor for UNIT, applying her technical skills to confront the Toymaker's reality-altering threat alongside the Fourteenth Doctor. This established her as a key operative in modern Earth-based defense against extraterrestrial dangers. In 2024, Mel continued her UNIT work in The Legend of Ruby Sunday and Empire of Death, investigating the entity Susan Triad and aiding the against the god Sutekh, who had infiltrated the . Her role highlighted her technical prowess and loyalty, as she helped bi-generate the Doctor and confront cosmic threats on contemporary . Mel's story progressed further in the 2025 serial The Reality War, where she reunited with the and encountered the again, blending her life experiences with new adventures amid reality-altering conflicts. Big Finish Productions' audio dramas further chronicled Mel's post-Doctor life through reunion stories up to 2025, such as the 2016 Seventh Doctor Adventures: A Life of Crime, depicting her settled on a retirement world with Glitz after years of interstellar exploits. These narratives portray Mel navigating multiple marriages and divorces, reflecting a rich personal history marked by independence and resilience, while occasionally drawing her back into cosmic perils. In 2022's Thin Ice duology, the and teamed up once more, blending her accumulated life experiences with renewed adventuring.

Creation and development

Casting and initial conception

Melanie Bush, commonly known as Mel, was created by the screenwriting duo Pip and Jane Baker for the 1986 season of Doctor Who, specifically as part of the multi-episode story arc "The Trial of a Time Lord." The Bakers were commissioned by producer John Nathan-Turner to develop the character for their scripts in "Terror of the Vervoids" and "The Ultimate Foe," introducing her as an established companion to provide narrative continuity during the season's trial format. Intended as a replacement for the outgoing companion Peri Brown following Nicola Bryant's departure, Mel was conceived to represent a contemporary woman, depicted as a skilled computer from , , with an and a focus on fitness and technology. This background aimed to modernize the role, aligning with the era's growing emphasis on professional , while allowing her to interact dynamically with the . To accommodate production scheduling, Mel's introduction occurred mid-season in episode nine, with her prior off-screen travels with the Doctor referenced to explain their established rapport without needing an origin story. Bonnie Langford was specifically selected for the role, with the Bakers tailoring Mel's character to suit her established talents as a versatile performer. A prominent West End actress known for her energetic stage presence in musicals like Cats and her early fame as a child star on shows such as Opportunity Knocks, Langford brought a vibrant, upbeat quality to the part that the writers sought to leverage as a substantive counterpart to the Doctor, avoiding a passive "feed" dynamic. Her casting capitalized on her household name status in British entertainment, ensuring the companion could hold her own in scenes requiring enthusiasm and quick wit.

Characterization and evolution

Melanie Bush is primarily characterized as an enthusiastic and optimistic , possessing a cheery disposition that often lightens tense situations during her travels. Her technical aptitude as a skilled computer underscores her problem-solving abilities, allowing her to engage with complex systems and gadgets. Additionally, Mel's health-conscious lifestyle is a defining trait, marked by her advocacy for fitness, nutrition, and well-being, which she extends to those around her, such as promoting and exercise routines. However, her portrayal in the series sometimes emphasizes and an overly exclamatory manner, contributing to initial depictions of her as somewhat simplistic or reactive. Throughout her tenure with the Sixth and Seventh Doctors in the late , Mel's character undergoes noticeable evolution, transitioning from a primarily supportive role—where she aids the Doctor with her optimism and technical insights—to one emphasizing personal agency and . This development culminates in her arc toward autonomy, as she begins to prioritize her own path separate from the Doctor's influence, reflecting a growing assertion of independence. These shifts highlight her motivations to balance loyalty with , moving beyond mere companionship to active participation in shaping her future. In modern expansions through audio dramas, novels, and television stories up to 2025, Mel's portrayal matures significantly, revealing deeper emotional layers as she confronts loss, ethical dilemmas, and long-term relationships, such as navigating the complexities of life with the criminal Sabalom Glitz. Her role as a successful operative in the present day further illustrates this growth, positioning her as a capable professional who applies her technical expertise to global threats while maintaining her core enthusiasm. She continued this role in 2024, investigating anomalies linked to Susan Triad in the episodes "The Legend of Ruby Sunday" and "Empire of Death," alongside the , and appeared in the 2025 series 15 finale "The Reality War," facing major threats like the . This evolution addresses earlier limitations, transforming her into a more nuanced figure who embodies resilience and adaptability. Thematically, Mel represents 1980s youth culture through her vibrant, fitness-oriented energy and positive outlook, akin to the era's aerobics and self-improvement trends, while her independence arc underscores feminist themes of empowerment and choice in a male-dominated .

Portrayal by Bonnie Langford

, drawing from her extensive background in including roles in productions like and 42nd Street, brought a vibrant energy to her portrayal of Mel Bush, emphasizing physical expressiveness, enthusiastic gestures, and high-pitched exclamations that highlighted the character's optimistic and excitable nature. This approach infused Mel with a sense of youthful vitality, often manifesting in dynamic movements and vocal inflections reminiscent of stage performance. Langford's performance faced significant criticism during the original 1980s run for its perceived "shouting" delivery and overly bubbly demeanor, which some viewers found grating or stereotypical. In subsequent interviews, she has defended this style as deliberate, intended to capture Mel's genuine excitement and emotional intensity in the face of the Doctor's adventures, rather than a flaw in execution. Upon returning to the role in 2022's "," 2023's "," 2024's "" and "," the 2025 "," and subsequent Big Finish audio dramas through 2025, Langford presented a more restrained and nuanced Mel, tempered by the character's implied years of experience and Langford's own maturity as an actress, allowing for deeper emotional layers while retaining core elements of enthusiasm. Off-screen, Langford has frequently expressed delight in embodying Mel, describing the role as a cherished part of her career that continues to bring joy through interactions with fans at conventions worldwide.

Appearances in media

Television stories

Melanie Bush, commonly known as , first appeared on screen in the 1986 serial , specifically in parts nine through twelve titled "Terror of the Vervoids". In this story, broadcast from 1 to 22 November 1986 on , Mel is introduced as a computer from who has previously travelled with the . She testifies at the Doctor's trial on , recounting events aboard the hyper VIPER where she aids in investigating murders committed by the Vervoids, plant-like assassins. Key scenes include Mel sabotaging a Vervoid nursery to prevent further killings and escaping a courtroom confrontation, establishing her as resourceful and enthusiastic. Her total across the four episodes totals approximately 90 minutes. Following her debut, Mel was absent from the 1987 season opener "" due to Bonnie Langford's scheduling conflict with her stage role in the musical . The serial was rewritten to depict Mel captured off-screen by the villain, with the impersonating her briefly using holographic disguise, allowing the story to proceed without Langford's physical presence. Mel's next televised adventure was the season 24 finale "Dragonfire", a three-part serial broadcast from 7 to 23 December 1987 on . Set on the icy trading post Iceworld and the planet Svartoz, Mel accompanies the in pursuing criminal Sabalon Glitz, encountering the dragon-like creature known as the . Pivotal moments feature Mel navigating icy caverns, allying with new companion , and witnessing the Doctor's regeneration into his seventh incarnation after falling into the Dragon's fiery lair. She elects to remain on Iceworld with Glitz at the story's end, marking her departure from the . Her spans about 75 minutes across the episodes. After a 35-year absence from the screen, Mel returned in the 2022 centenary special "", broadcast on 13 October 2022 on . In this , lasting roughly two minutes, Mel attends a for former companions in 2022 , sharing experiences with characters like and amid the Cybermen-Master threat. This marked her integration into the modern era, tying into the show's 59th anniversary celebrations. Mel reappeared in the 2023 special "", aired on 2 December 2023 on and Disney+, where she serves as a operative. Over approximately 10 minutes of screen time, she assists the and in analyzing the Toymaker's "" signal, identifying it as a musical (C-E-G-C-G-E-C) derived from footage. She participates in the battle at headquarters, highlighting her evolved role as a tech-savvy post-TARDIS travels. In series 14 (2024), Mel featured prominently in the two-part finale. In "The Legend of Ruby Sunday" (episode 7, broadcast 15 June 2024 on BBC iPlayer and Disney+), she goes undercover at Triad Technology in Sydney to investigate Susan Triad, reporting intel to UNIT and the Fifteenth Doctor via psychic paper. Her scenes, totaling about 8 minutes, emphasize her espionage skills and rapport with Ruby Sunday. Continuing in "Empire of Death" (episode 8, 20 June 2024), Mel joins the Doctor and Ruby aboard the Remembered TARDIS to evade Sutekh's deadly dust, becoming psychically linked to the god of death during the climax. She aids in luring Sutekh to his demise by towing him into the Time Vortex, with screen time around 12 minutes. These episodes underscore her as a key UNIT ally confronting cosmic threats. Mel continued in series 15 (2025), appearing in select episodes as a consultant. Notably, in the finale "The Reality War" (episode 8, broadcast 31 May 2025 on and Disney+), she collaborates with the against the Unholy Trinity's reality-altering scheme, contributing technical expertise in decoding dimensional rifts. Her involvement spans multiple episodes, reinforcing her ongoing support role, though she was absent from earlier installments like "Lucky Day" due to mission assignments. Total in the series exceeds 20 minutes across appearances.

Audio dramas and novels

Melanie Bush's adventures have been extensively expanded in ' audio dramas, where she features prominently alongside the Sixth and Seventh Doctors, often filling in gaps from her classic-era travels. Her debut in the company's output came in the Main Range story The Fires of Vulcan (September 2000), featuring the as they arrive in ancient shortly before the eruption of . Subsequent Main Range appearances include The One Doctor (2001), which reunites her with the roguish Sabalom Glitz for a tale of temporal paradoxes and criminal schemes. By 2025, Mel has appeared in over 40 audio stories across various ranges, including Short Trips and companion chronicles, providing deeper exploration of her optimistic personality and technical expertise in high-stakes scenarios. The 2017 Main Range release A Life of Crime marks a notable shift, portraying Mel in a post-Doctor phase as Glitz's on a seemingly idyllic world, highlighting her entrepreneurial spirit and evolving while delving into their opportunistic . This theme continues in later stories, such as the 2022 adventure , where aids in thwarting an alien invasion on contemporary Earth, blending her classic-era dynamics with time-displaced elements set in the late . Big Finish's dedicated Adventures range, launched in 2022, further emphasizes her partnership with the ; The Wrong Doctors reimagines their initial encounter in , while the 2023 box sets Water Worlds and Purity Unleashed/Unbound introduce new companion Harrison and explore oceanic perils and dystopian futures, respectively, with 's role as the team's moral anchor. These narratives often revisit her rapport with antagonists like the in stories such as the 's encounters that build on classic continuity, and incorporate 21st-century settings to bridge her origins with modern contexts. In print media, Mel features in several novels from Virgin Publishing's Missing Adventures and New Adventures lines, as well as BBC Books' Past Doctor Adventures, offering alternate perspectives on her journeys. The Virgin Missing Adventures novel Millennial Rites (1995) by Craig Hinton places the and Mel in 17th-century amid alchemical intrigue and temporal rifts, showcasing her analytical skills against supernatural threats. Similarly, Business Unusual (1997) by , a BBC Past Doctor Adventures entry, depicts their into corporate on contemporary , emphasizing Mel's background and her bond with the . Key arcs in these works explore her alliance with Glitz, extended in the 2024 BBC novel Death in the Stars: A Melanie Bush Mystery by Jacqueline Rayner, where a young Mel joins Glitz on a interstellar heist turned murder mystery, reinforcing their comedic yet loyal dynamic. Time-displaced adventures appear in titles like The One Doctor (1998) by Gareth Roberts, a Past Doctor Adventures novel that parallels the audio story, sending Mel and the into a trap with Glitz. These publications, totaling around a dozen by 2025, prioritize her growth as a resourceful while maintaining continuity with her television escapades.

Other formats

Melanie Bush has made appearances in various Doctor Who comic publications beyond the main television series. In the IDW Publishing miniseries The Forgotten (2008–2009), written by Tony Lee and illustrated by Pia Guerra, Mel features as one of several past companions drawn into a involving the and a mysterious dimension populated by forgotten elements of the Doctor's history. This story highlights Mel's analytical skills as she deduces key aspects of the plot alongside an alternate version of . Additionally, in Titan Comics' Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor Yearbook 2015, the backup strip "Prologue: The Sixth Doctor," written by and illustrated by Giorgia Agreda, depicts Mel traveling with the as they pursue the escaped into , serving as a prelude to a larger crossover event. Mel has also appeared in comic strips within Doctor Who Magazine. Her debut in the medium came in the 1986 strip "Doctor Who?" (DWM #117), a humorous meta-story where a fictionalized version of her actress interacts with the production. Later, the 2002 gag strip "How Much For Just The Planet?" (DWM #301) imagines and Sabalom Glitz in a sitcom-style scenario aboard a starship. In video games, Mel has minor roles in select Doctor Who titles. She is referenced in the 1997 PC game Destiny of the Doctors, developed by Studio Fish, where players navigate levels inspired by classic companions, including elements tied to her adventures with the Sixth and Seventh Doctors. More recently, Mel appears in cameo capacities in mobile apps like the official Doctor Who: Worlds Apart card game (2019 onward), where archival footage and character cards feature her in battles against classic foes. Merchandise featuring Mel includes action figures produced by Dapol in 1987, coinciding with her television debut; these 5-inch figures depict her in her signature pink or blue outfits and were sold as part of the classic toy line. Later releases, such as Character Options' 5-inch figures in the , have included Mel alongside the Sixth and Seventh Doctors, often bundled in collector sets. Other formats encompass references in Doctor Who Magazine articles and features, such as in-depth profiles and interviews with discussing Mel's character in issues like #595 (2023). Stage adaptations have occasionally nodded to Mel through panto-style crossovers in the , where performers in Doctor Who-themed productions at UK theaters incorporated her energetic persona into ensemble roles. Recent developments up to 2025 include archival audio clips of Mel in BBC's Doctor Who immersive content.

Reception and legacy

Contemporary critical response

Upon her introduction in the 1986 serial , Mel Bush faced significant criticism from viewers, with audience research reports describing her as a "highly unpopular" whose enthusiastic demeanor and high-pitched exclamations were frequently labeled "annoying" and "screechy". This negative reception was exacerbated by the show's production shifts under producer , which emphasized brighter visuals and lighter tone, contributing to perceptions of Mel as a stereotypical, underdeveloped character amid the series' declining ratings. Viewer polls conducted in the late 1980s, such as those in Doctor Who Magazine, ranked Mel low among companions, attributing her poor standing to her brief tenure spanning only six stories and the lack of narrative depth due to production challenges and brief hiatuses during the late 1980s. Despite the predominant negativity, some contemporary feedback praised Mel's technical expertise as a computer programmer, particularly in stories like Dragonfire where her skills aided in resolving plot crises, and her lively chemistry with Colin Baker's , which provided moments of warmth and banter. The overall context of the hiatus, imposed by controller Michael Grade's disdain for the series—he publicly called it "awful" and pushed for its cancellation—further colored perceptions, as Mel's short run coincided with uncertainty about the show's future.

Retrospective analysis

In the 2000s and , retrospective evaluations of Mel Bush began to reframe her as an underrated , shifting focus from contemporary dismissals to her potential as a proactive figure in the narrative. Critics noted her empowerment arc culminating in the 1987 serial Dragonfire, where she asserts independence by choosing to travel with Sabalom Glitz rather than remaining with the , symbolizing a break from dependency tropes. This reassessment positioned her as a bridge between the more passive companions of earlier eras and the assertive ones that followed, emphasizing her agency in a story often overlooked in broader series histories. Academic analyses in the and have examined Mel's portrayal through the lens of gender roles, highlighting how her character navigated conservative television norms while occasionally subverting them. In discussions of the Seventh Doctor era, scholars described her dynamic with the Doctor as avuncular and non-sexualized, contrasting with more exploitative depictions in prior decades and allowing for platonic mentorship that empowered female characters like Mel and her successor . Essays in analytical collections, such as the Outside In series, have explored her role in stories like Dragonfire as a subtle of expectations, portraying her as a health-conscious professional whose optimism challenges the era's stereotypical "screaming " . Mel's returns in the post-2005 revival significantly enhanced her reception, providing a redemptive arc that addressed past limitations and solidified her as a multifaceted operative. Her appearance in the 2022 special showcased her as a affiliate with investigative skills, earning praise for transforming her from a maligned figure into a capable ally against threats like the . Subsequent episodes in 2023, 2024, and 2025, including , Empire of Death, and The Reality War, further depicted her wielding advanced technology and contributing to high-stakes resolutions, which critics hailed as a corrective to her original underutilization and a nod to evolving dynamics. Despite these advancements, scholarly and critical coverage reveals gaps in analyzing Mel's tech-savvy , particularly her role as a computer in a pre-internet context. While established as possessing and programming expertise from , her skills were rarely deployed on-screen, leading to critiques that this underrepresented women's emerging roles in during the era. Later media, such as audio dramas, expanded this aspect, but television retrospectives have only recently begun to address how her untapped technical proficiency mirrored broader cultural shifts toward female participation.

Cultural impact and fan perception

Mel Bush has maintained a dedicated following within , particularly through and convention appearances. Fans frequently recreate her iconic 1980s outfits, such as the colorful jumpsuits and ponytail hairstyle from her television stories, with examples showcased at events like Gallifrey One and online platforms dedicated to . , who portrays Mel, has participated in numerous convention panels, including joint discussions with co-stars and at London Comic Con in 2024, where she reflected on Mel's evolution and fan interactions. In modern fan polls, Mel ranks in the mid-tier among companions. For instance, a 2025 ComicBook.com ranking placed her sixth overall in the show's 62-year history, praising her recent expansions for adding depth to her bubbly personality. Earlier surveys, such as Space.com's 2021 list, positioned her lower due to her original portrayal but noted growing appreciation post-return. Mel's character has influenced perceptions of the "bubbly companion" archetype in Doctor Who, characterized by her energetic, health-conscious demeanor and frequent exclamations, which echoed 1960s tropes while adding a modern twist through her computer programming background. This archetype appears in later companions, though Mel's version drew criticism for emphasizing screams over agency, shaping discussions on gender roles in the series. Doctor Who parodies occasionally nod to Mel's era, as seen in The Simpsons' broader references to 1980s companions in episodes like "The Girl Who Slept Too Little" (2004), where exaggerated bubbly sidekicks evoke her style amid cameos. ' audio dramas have significantly boosted Mel's status, expanding her adventures with the across over 20 releases since 2010, allowing her to demonstrate investigative skills and independence absent in her TV tenure. Fans credit these stories with rehabilitating her image, turning initial skepticism into enthusiasm. In 2025, merchandise featuring Mel includes the novel "Death in the Stars: A Melanie Bush Mystery," highlighting her solo exploits, alongside custom apparel and collectibles from licensed vendors. Despite these developments, Mel remains underrepresented in official Doctor Who histories compared to longer-tenured companions like , often relegated to footnotes in anniversary retrospectives due to her brief 20-episode run and early fan backlash. This gap persists in broader cultural narratives, where her contributions are overshadowed by more iconic figures.

References

  1. [1]
    Doctor Who - Classic Series - Companions - Melanie "Mel" Bush - BBC
    Mel elected to leave the Doctor after an adventure on the ice planet Svartos, and joined forces with the roguish Sabalom Glitz, perhaps hoping to reform him.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  2. [2]
    Mel Bush | Explore the Whoniverse - Doctor Who
    She returned to Doctor Who in 2022, making a cameo appearance in The Power of the Doctor, before becoming a permanent fixture of UNIT in 2023's The Giggle.
  3. [3]
    Bonnie Langford's picks from the Doctor Who Archive - BBC
    Jun 12, 2024 · Star of stage and screen, Bonnie Langford first appeared as Melanie Bush, companion to the Sixth and Seventh Doctors between 1986 and 1987.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    What happened to Mel Bush in Doctor Who? Bonnie Langford exit ...
    Jun 14, 2024 · Mel Bush, the Doctor's former companion played by Bonnie Langford, who is now set to return in season 14's penultimate episode, The Legend of Ruby Sunday.<|control11|><|separator|>
  5. [5]
    Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa left Bonnie Langford breathless - BBC
    Jun 16, 2024 · The dancer and actress returned as Melanie Bush for the current series' penultimate episode, The Legend of Ruby Sunday, on Saturday. She was ...Missing: early background
  6. [6]
    The DOCTOR WHO History of Melanie 'Mel' Bush - Nerdist
    Dec 9, 2023 · One of Doctor Who's shorter tenured companions is back! Melanie "Mel" Bush (Bonnie Langford) had a very weird history we need to explain.
  7. [7]
    "Doctor Who" The Trial of a Time Lord: Part Twelve (TV Episode 1986)
    Rating 6.7/10 (500) This segment which spans parts 9 to 12 of the season long arc is known as Terror of the Vervoids. The ongoing story of the trial (where The Doctor is charged ...
  8. [8]
    Killer Plants - BBC
    Terror of the Vervoids (1986). Arriving on a space liner, the Doctor and Mel discover that all is not well. Not only is there a murderer aboard, but Professor ...
  9. [9]
    The Trial Of A Time Lord (Segment Three) - Shannon Patrick Sullivan
    Jul 7, 2021 · The Doctor unmasks an alien Mogarian as an undercover agent -- who is promptly murdered. The ruthless Professor Lasky and her team are keeping ...<|separator|>
  10. [10]
    Dragonfire | A Brief History Of Time (Travel) - Shannon Patrick Sullivan
    Jul 15, 2021 · There, the Doctor and Melanie meet a time-displaced teenager from Earth called Ace, and are reunited with intergalactic rogue Sabalom Glitz.
  11. [11]
    "Doctor Who" Dragonfire: Part One (TV Episode 1987) - IMDb
    Rating 6.4/10 (573) The Doctor and Mel arrive at Iceworld and quickly get reacquainted with Sabalom Glitz who has a map that could lead to treasure and a dragon.
  12. [12]
    https://www.doctorwho.tv/stories/dragonfire
  13. [13]
    Delta and the Bannermen | Doctor Who
    ### Summary of Mel Bush's Adventures in "Delta and the Bannermen"
  14. [14]
    Dragonfire | Doctor Who
    ### Summary of Mel Bush in "Dragonfire"
  15. [15]
    Doctor Who: Who Is Melanie Bush? - Game Rant
    Dec 21, 2023 · The transition between the two Doctors brought about a change in dynamic. The Seventh Doctor was more mysterious and enigmatic, and Mel's role ...
  16. [16]
    Book Review: Doctor Who – Death in the Stars - Critical popcorn
    Aug 22, 2024 · Following on from her TARDIS departure in Dragonfire, Mel and Sabalom Glitz (played on-screen by the late Tony Selby) are adventuring across ...<|separator|>
  17. [17]
    Doctor Who: The Seventh Doctor's Reunion! - News - Big Finish
    Apr 27, 2016 · This summer, the Seventh Doctor and Ace find an old friend returning to the TARDIS. Melanie Bush is back in action in our next Doctor Who ...Missing: post- | Show results with:post-
  18. [18]
    Nabil Shaban 1953-2025 - News - Big Finish
    Oct 27, 2025 · The Seventh Doctor is on Thin Ice! They're back! The Seventh Doctor and Melanie Bush are back together in two brand-new full-cast audio ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  19. [19]
    Pip and Jane Baker (1988) | Doctor Who Interview Archive
    Oct 15, 2009 · They also created two of the more controversial characters of the original series' later run – the Rani and Melanie Bush.
  20. [20]
    Who were the Sixth Doctor's companions? - Lovarzi Blog
    Jan 5, 2023 · Her replacement was Melanie Bush – a computer programmer from Pease Pottage who, in another first for Doctor Who companions, had ginger hair – ...
  21. [21]
    Doctor Who Fixed a Big Problem With Its Most Controversial ... - CBR
    Jul 6, 2024 · As she re-enters the Doctor Who canon, it's clear that Mel Bush is no longer a stereotypical female companion but a force to be reckoned with in her own right.
  22. [22]
    https://blog.lovarzi.co.uk/doctor-who-companions-sixth-doctor/
  23. [23]
    10 Doctor Who Companions Whose Best Stories Happened After ...
    Jan 30, 2025 · Freema Aygeman as Martha Jones and Bonnie Langford as Mel Bush in Doctor Who. ... The prose of “Dragonfire” established that Mel really ...
  24. [24]
    The Sixth Doctor and Mel to the Rescue! - News - Big Finish
    Feb 28, 2023 · Colin Baker (the Sixth Doctor) and Bonnie Langford (Melanie Bush) star in three full-cast audio adventures – following on from the chilling cliffhanger.Missing: post- | Show results with:post-
  25. [25]
    https://screenrant.com/doctor-who-companions-best-stories-after-leaving-list/
  26. [26]
    'I didn't want to be Bubbly Bonnie Langford for ever' – the star relives ...
    Sep 28, 2023 · The screen and stage sensation looks back on her biggest moments – from Cats to Doctor Who to the 'madness' of The Masked DancerMissing: shouting | Show results with:shouting
  27. [27]
    Bonnie Langford interview: 'Doctor Who in the 1980s was all terribly ...
    Nov 18, 2023 · “I do feel that that song is autobiographical,” Langford tells me when we meet over coffee down the road from the Gielgud Theatre. She even ...
  28. [28]
    Bonnie Langford on her return to Doctor Who as Mel
    Sep 14, 2023 · With her return to Doctor Who announced to the world, Bonnie Langford shares her thoughts in an exclusive interview with Doctor Who Magazine.Missing: early life background
  29. [29]
    Bonnie Langford Discusses Rejoining DOCTOR WHO For Season ...
    Jun 13, 2024 · We spoke to Mel Bush herself, Bonnie Langford, on returning to Doctor Who for Ncuti Gatwa's first season finale.
  30. [30]
    Bonnie Langford Talks Mel's Role In Doctor Who's The Legend Of ...
    Jun 10, 2024 · Langford shared her excitement about returning to the role of Mel Bush in this era of Doctor Who. She explained how the character has grown off- ...
  31. [31]
    Mel goes undercover in The Legend of Ruby Sunday - CultBox
    Jun 10, 2024 · Mel is trying to infiltrate and do a bit of spying. She tries to get all the intel and report back to UNIT and the Doctor.
  32. [32]
    Doctor Who explains key character absence in Lucky Day
    May 3, 2025 · Mel Bush (Bonnie Langford) was missing from the line-up. Mel originally appeared on Doctor Who as a companion between 1986 and 1987, returning for a brief ...
  33. [33]
    Doctor Who, Season 2, The Reality War - BBC One
    Credits ; Melanie Bush, Bonnie Langford ; Cherry Sunday, Angela Wynter ; Lakshmi Chandra, Nila Aalia ; Writer, Russell T Davies.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  34. [34]
    214. Doctor Who: A Life of Crime - The Monthly Adventures - Big Finish
    The perfect retirement planet for a certain type of 'business person' – such as Ms Melanie Bush, formerly the co-owner of the Iceworld emporium, now on the run ...
  35. [35]
    169. Doctor Who: The Wrong Doctors - The Monthly Adventures
    The Doctor sets course for his destiny... in the form of his first meeting with Miss Melanie Bush, a computer programmer from the village of Pease Pottage.
  36. [36]
    Doctor Who: The Sixth Doctor Adventures: Water Worlds - Big Finish
    The Sixth Doctor returns, and he's thrown straight in at the deep end! Travelling the galaxy with Melanie Bush and their brand-new companion, marine biologist ...
  37. [37]
    Doctor Who: The Sixth Doctor Adventures: Purity Unleashed
    Award-winning, full-cast original audio dramas from the worlds of Doctor Who, Torchwood, Blake's 7, Class, Dark Shadows, The Avengers, Survivors, The Omega ...
  38. [38]
    Amazon.com: Doctor Who: Death in the Stars: A Melanie Bush Mystery
    A death-defying murder mystery in space. When young Mel's business partner, Sabalom Glitz embarks on yet another “get rich quick” scheme.
  39. [39]
    Doctor Who The Forgotten (2008 IDW) comic books - MyComicShop
    4.9 109 · $12.95 delivery · 7-day returnsThe mysterious and familiar nemesis finally makes his appearance, and the Doctor finds out where he really is, all in this penultimate issue. Cover price ...Missing: Mel Bush Titan
  40. [40]
    Doctor Who Magazine 595 Goes to Mel and Back! - Blogtor Who
    Sep 15, 2023 · Doctor Who Magazine 595 goes to Mel and back as they talk to Bonnie Langford about the return of Melanie Bush!
  41. [41]
    Doctor who? The Time Lord's companions from the 80s and 90s ...
    Sep 28, 2013 · When I joined Doctor Who as Melanie Bush in 1986, the show was in trouble. Michael Grade had taken over as director of programmes and didn't ...
  42. [42]
    The Greatest Doctor Who Companions of All Time - Ranker
    Series: Doctor Who. Mel Bush. 46. Mel Bush. Bonnie Langford. Vote Up Vote Down. 1,449 votes. Vislor Turlough. 47. Vislor Turlough. Mark Strickson. Vote Up Vote ...<|separator|>
  43. [43]
    Bonnie's a Scream: Celebrating Melanie Bush
    Apr 13, 2019 · Bonnie Langford to Return as Mel Bush in Doctor Who Series 14! The Sixth and Seventh Doctor companion is coming back to meet Ncuti Gatwa's ...
  44. [44]
    [PDF] Gender and the Quest in British Science Fiction Television
    Seventh Doctor functions as an avuncular figure to both Mel and Ace, with- out any sexually suggestive piece of dialogue occurring between him and these ...
  45. [45]
    Doctor Who: Respecting Mel, One of the Most Unappreciated ...
    Mar 2, 2024 · Mel was introduced in what turned out to be Baker's final season as a replacement for Peri (Nicola Bryant), who had probably the worst and ...Missing: Pip Jane creating
  46. [46]
    Outfits from the TARDIS' wardrobe room
    Details and pricing for Mel Bush (Dragonfire). My favorite of her outfits. Melanie Bush doctor who polyvore Dragonfire Seventh Doctor's era · 2 notes May 12th ...
  47. [47]
    Sylvester McCoy Plays The Spoons On Colin Baker And Bonnie ...
    Mar 5, 2024 · Sylvester McCoy plays the Spoons on Colin Baker and Bonnie Langford during the Doctor Who panel for London Comic Con (Spring).Missing: cosplay | Show results with:cosplay
  48. [48]
    We're excited to announce MILLIE GIBSON will now be joining us for ...
    Nov 8, 2024 · Millie will be taking part in a duo photoshoot with Bonnie Langford and a talk on Sunday! Tickets available now - buff.ly/3OdQkAd · No photo ...
  49. [49]
    10 Best Doctor Who Companions in the Show's 62-Year History ...
    Oct 3, 2025 · 6) Mel Bush. Bonnie Langford's Melanie “Mel” Bush joined the Sixth and Seventh Doctors in the TARDIS between 1986's “Terror of the Vervoids ...
  50. [50]
    Doctor Who Companions, Ranked Worst to Best | Space
    Oct 25, 2021 · Doctor Who companions, ranked worst to best · Honorable mentions: · 11) Yasmin Khan · 10) Ryan Sinclair · 9) Bill Potts · 8) Graham O'Brien · 7) Rory ...
  51. [51]
    Who makes a good companion? | BPS - British Psychological Society
    Feb 20, 2017 · Mel Bush puts the Doctor on a regimen of carrot juice and exercise. ... Traveling with the Doctor has a profound effect on many of his companions.
  52. [52]
    Characters in Doctor Who – Classic Series Companions - TV Tropes
    Melanie "Mel" Bush (Sixth, Seventh, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Doctors) · Amateur Sleuth: Particularly in her introductory story, which was an homage to Agatha ...
  53. [53]
    Doctor Who - Wikisimpsons, the Simpsons Wiki
    Aug 23, 2025 · The show has often been referenced in The Simpsons, usually with the Fourth Incarnation of The Doctor appearing, as portrayed by Tom Baker.
  54. [54]
    All DOCTOR WHO References on THE SIMPSONS - Nerdist
    Aug 23, 2014 · A brief list of all the episodes in which you can spot a Who in one form or another. 1) The first reference came in the Season 7 episode “Sideshow Bob's Last ...Missing: Mel Bush
  55. [55]
    Doctor Who: The Last Adventure - Big Finish
    The Doctor and Mel face the final confrontation with the Valeyard - and the Doctor must make the ultimate sacrifice. **THIS TITLE IS NOW OUT OF PRINT ON CD**.Missing: merchandise | Show results with:merchandise
  56. [56]
    Has Bigfinish made you a fan of Mel Bush? : r/gallifrey - Reddit
    Mar 2, 2022 · Another here who liked Mel on TV as well but, yes, all her best stories are Big Finish - The One Doctor and The Wrong Doctors being the top of ...Remembering the Companions: Part 28 - Mel Bush : r/gallifrey - RedditFrom Mel's POV, in what story does she remember first meeting the ...More results from www.reddit.com
  57. [57]
    Doctor Who Merchandise (from Doctor Who News)
    February 2025. 17% · Doctor Who: Death in the Stars: A Melanie Bush Mystery. £9.09. £10.99. March 2025. Doctor Who: Agent of the Daleks: 1st Doctor Audio ...Missing: Finish | Show results with:Finish
  58. [58]
    Mel Bush Merch & Gifts for Sale | Redbubble
    4.4 6.4K High quality Mel Bush-inspired merch and gifts. T-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more, designed and sold by independent artists around the world ...Missing: 2025 | Show results with:2025
  59. [59]
    https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/doctor-who-the-last-adventure-1212