Soon after regeneration, as the Doctor’s Eighth life begins, the TARDIS receives an unusual call... 

Many years later, travelling with faithful friend Alfie, can the Doctor finally solve a mystery that has dogged him since his earliest days? 

Who is Chase Moyo? And what new pathways will she lead the Doctor along? 

The Eighth Doctor (Paul McGann) will return in November 2026 for a brand-new audio drama miniseries, titled New Pathways, comprising six full-cast episodes across two box set releases. And he’ll be joined by two new friends… 

Sam Stafford, known to viewers of Netflix series Vikings: Valhalla, joins The Eighth Doctor Adventures as Alfie. And Natalie Gumede, star of Titans, Jekyll and Hyde, and Doctor Who TV episode Last Christmas, takes on the role of Chase. 

Alfie Steep is a kid from a London estate in the mid-21st century. A gentle giant without fear, he loves a bit of action when the opportunity arises, but he’s got a heart of gold and will protect his friends fiercely. He’s already been travelling with the Doctor for a while as New Pathways begins and the pair meet Chase... 

Matilda ‘Chase’ Moyo thrives on adventure and craves variety, which has led her to a career in the movie industry. But with this work drying up in the 2020s, Chase has moved back up north to live with her mum and taken a position in a call centre. She hates this dull and repetitive job – until one day, her phone connects to the TARDIS… 

Sam Stafford said: “It’s a real pinch-me moment when you get to go, ‘I’m the companion of the Doctor!’ I’m standing on the shoulders of giants. And it brings a different dynamic to be one of the few male companions – it’s described in the script as a Laurel and Hardy sort of situation.  

“Alfie is a happy-go-lucky chap. He’s been travelling with the Doctor for a while and is very much enjoying his time. What I love about Alfie is that he’s a really kind guy. He deeply cares about everyone that he meets and wants the best for them. But he also loves a fight. He’s quite a muscular man, so he brings an air of physicality that I’m not necessarily used to – fighting on audio is quite physical, despite it just being voice! 

“We fight alien armies, but it does all boil down to that element of family, and the Doctor and Alfie and Chase build their own little family as well – it’s really lovely, that dynamic works really well.” 

Natalie Gumede added: “When we first meet Chase, she is very dissatisfied with her life. She is a gaffer, a crew member in movies and TV, and she’s been unemployed for some time. So, she now works in a call centre and really is frustrated with going in and out, wondering when her adventures are going to start again. 

“What I love about Chase is that she’s so smart, quick-witted, and funny, and everybody around her enjoys that and plays off that. We also start to learn about her moral compass and how strong that is, especially against the majority. When the majority choose one direction, Chase listens to her heart and is willing to speak up.” 

And, producer David Richardson said: “Natalie and Sam have been on my radar to play companions for quite some time. They’re both very experienced in audio, bring bucketloads of enthusiasm to the recordings, and throw so much energy and vitality into their performances. So here they are: Chase and Alfie. The Doctor’s new best friends – and soon to be ours too…” 

The two volumes of The Eighth Doctor Adventures: New Pathways are now available to pre-order as a multibuy bundle for just £38 (as digital downloads to own) or £47 (downloads + collector’s edition CDs), exclusively from www.bigfinish.com. Please note: the collector’s edition CDs are strictly limited to 1,500 copies each and will not be re-pressed. 

The three episodes in New Pathways 1, due for release in November 2026, are: 

Chase by Alan Ronald 
Magic by Katharine Armitage 
Blast from the Past by Robert Valentine 

And in December 2026, New Pathways 2 will complete the miniseries with the following adventures: 

The Junction by Helen Goldwyn 
Yesterday Dies Today by Alfie Shaw 
Matilda by Alan Ronald 

Big Finish listeners can purchase each The Eighth Doctor Adventures: New Pathways box set individually for just £19.99 (download to own) or £24.99 (download + collector’s edition CD), exclusively here.  

All the above prices (including pre-order and multibuy bundle discounts) are fixed for a limited time only and guaranteed no later than 31 December 2026. 

Please note that Big Finish is currently operating a digital-first release schedule. The mail-out of collector’s edition CDs may be delayed due to factors beyond our control, but all purchases of this release unlock a digital copy that can be immediately downloaded or played on the Big Finish app from the release date.