Who plays the girl in the fireplace?
The central character known as "the girl in the fireplace" in the Doctor Who episode of the same name, who is Reinette Poisson, later known as Madame de Pompadour, is primarily portrayed by Sophia Myles.
The Character and Her Portrayal
In the captivating Doctor Who episode "The Girl in the Fireplace," the narrative intricately weaves through time, focusing on the life of Reinette, who becomes the influential Madame de Pompadour. This compelling character is encountered at various stages of her life by the Doctor due to unique time windows created by repair androids. These androids, originating from a spaceship from the 51st century, meticulously stalk Madame de Pompadour throughout her life, appearing in 18th-century France.
The portrayal of Reinette/Madame de Pompadour at different ages is handled by multiple talented actresses to reflect her journey through time:
| Actress | Role / Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sophia Myles | Adult Reinette / Madame de Pompadour | The primary and most prominent portrayal of the character, particularly as the historical figure Madame de Pompadour. |
| Olivia Hallinan | Teenage Reinette | Depicts the character during her adolescent years, showcasing her intellectual curiosity and burgeoning charm. |
| Jessica Atkins | Young Reinette | Portrays Reinette as a young girl, first encountered by the Doctor through a fireplace that acts as a time window. |
Episode Context
The unique premise of "The Girl in the Fireplace" involves the titular character existing in 18th-century France while being observed and pursued across her lifetime through time windows. These temporal anomalies are used by sentient repair androids, dubbed "Clockwork Droids," from a vast, derelict spaceship thousands of years in the future. Their quest involves harvesting specific parts of humans, including Madame de Pompadour, to complete their ship. The Doctor's repeated encounters with Reinette at various ages through these fireplaces form the emotional core of this critically acclaimed episode.
For more details on the episode and its characters, you can refer to its Wikipedia page.
