Alex Fitch continues his investigation of the best science fiction heroine most people have never heard (of) – Professor Bernice Summerfield, Benny to her friends.
Starting off as a Doctor Who companion in the novels published after the original TV series was cancelled in 1989, Benny has since appeared in over a hundred books and 40 full cast ‘radio’ plays released on CD in specialist shops.

Alex talks to the actress who plays Benny – Lisa Bowerman – and the actor who plays her fictional husband – Stephen Fewell. Next, the outgoing producer of the series, Simon Guerrier interviews actress Sophie Aldred who appeared alongside Lisa in a few of the dramas and author Gareth Roberts (Doctor Who: The Shakespeare Code) who has written Benny adventures. Finally, Sci-Fi critic and writer Graham Sleight interviews the character’s creator Paul Cornell plus there’s also a preview of Benny’s next adventure…

As the hour long version of this show may not be something listeners want to download in one go (and to alleviate the strain on the server), Wednesday’s Clear Spot is available to download in 2 parts – this is part 2 of 2…

For more info and a selection of different file formats you can download or stream, please visit the home of this episode at www.archive.com

Originally broadcast 23rd October 2007 (mp3 format, 27.9mb)

Links: Wikipedia entry on Bernice Summerfield
Read the Doctor Who novels: Human Nature and The Dying Days which feature Benny
Buy Benny books and audio CDs from Big Finish
Simon’s blog
Graham’s website
Paul’s blog