i've just heard on the radio that jennifer saunders has been signed up for one episode to play the first ever time lord.
WRONG!!!
i recall the colin baker story 'trial of a time lord' whereby the doctor is hauled back to gallifrey, and there are females on the time lord council - most notably linda bellingham. they were - by definition - female time lords.
I well remember Mary Tamm as Romana - Doctor Who's companion and a Time Lady - although she only stayed for one series. She was replaced by Lala Ward who went on to marry Tom baker.
She regenerated into actress Lalla Ward when first Romana Mary Tamm didn't want to continue in the role.
Lalla's first story as Romana was "Destiny of the Daleks", also out on DVD...
Maybe I Am Wrong But from the way I have Seen this story written in the newspapers I think They imply that Jennifier Saunders would actually be playing the role of The Doctor for one episode. Imagine that.:-D