In the 2022 Doctor Who TV special The Power of the Doctor, the Time Lord reunited with two past companions, Tegan (Janet Fielding) and Ace (Sophie Aldred). It was clear these two were already firm friends, but how did this friendship begin? The answer involves a certain 51st-century archaeologist… 

Ace and Tegan have been plucked from their twenty-first century lives and stranded in 1860. But who is responsible, and why is River Song mixing in nineteenth century society too? 

Somebody is out to eliminate the three of them, as Ace and Tegan realise that this may not be their first meeting with River. Their lives are entangled, and to escape, somebody must pay the ultimate price... 

The second volume in River Song’s brand-new audio series, The Death and Life of River Song: Ace and Tegan comprises four episodes of full-cast audio drama, which chart the course of the three characters’ interactions across their lifetimes. There are hauntings, monsters, and an arch-villain playing games with time but, through it all, strong friendships will be forged. 

The Death and Life of River Song: Ace and Tegan is now available for pre-order exclusively here, as a limited edition four-CD box set (plus digital download) for £29.99, or as a digital download only for £22.99.   

The four adventures for this trio of iconic characters are: 

Castaways by James Moran 
Driftwood by Roland Moore
Dead Rising by Roland Moore
The End is the Beginning is the End by James Moran 

Producer David Richardson said: “Ace and Tegan – the pairing that, until The Power of the Doctor came along, we didn’t even know we were crying out for! Sophie and Janet made such a huge impact when they returned for Jodie Whittaker’s last story, and in this latest River Song box set, we get to explore the lead-up to that. 

“How did Ace and Tegan first meet? And how did they encounter River Song? It’s a story told over decades and not necessarily in sequence. River has encountered many formidable things, but is she ready for the explosive properties of both Nitro-9 and Tegan Jovanka?” 

Further details about The Death and Life of River Song: Ace and Tegan, including guest cast and story details, will be announced nearer the release date. 

Big Finish listeners can also pre-order Ace and Tegan in a multibuy bundle with The Death and Life of River Song: Last Words, which was released in August 2024, and a third volume (Title TBC) due August 2025, for just £80 (collector’s edition CDs + downloads) or £66 (downloads only). 

Praise for The Death and Life of River Song: Last Words: 

"A wonderful start to the next chapter in River’s story. I can’t wait for Series 02.”
Sci-Fi Pulse 

“A must-listen for fans of the character”
Geek Vibes Nation 

“If Last Words is anything to go by, River has a very bright future at Big Finish indeed.”
Who Review 

All the above prices include the special pre-order discount and are subject to change after general release. Please note: the collector’s edition CD box set is strictly limited to 1,250 copies and will not be repressed. 

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.