Andy Wilkins

**Andy Wilkins is** head writer and executive producer on *Doctor Who* from series 14 in 2024, and was creator and executive producer of spin-off series

Born and raised in Southend-On-Sea himself, his commitment to producing *Doctor Who* within his hometown city by the sea has increased tourism in the city.

## Biography

### *Doctor Who* and related work

Wilkins was approached to take on the mantle of running Doctor Who in mid-2023 as part of a new initiative by the BBC to get new and fresh writers in who have a vision for its programmes into the new era following Covid.

Wilkins ultimately set himself a 10 year plan which included summer movies, cameos from past Doctors and companions whilst also incorporating new spin-offs.

His first season would start with The Secret War Of 1941 which included the return of Winston Churchill with the Doctor's first threat being against the Sontarans in London 1941 which would aired on Christmas Day 2024 as a precursor to the proper start of the season in January 2025.

#### Significant additions to the *Doctor Who* universe

Wilkins came up with the concept of the idea of returning back to basics with throwbacks to past locations including Peladon, Satellite 5 and many others.

### *Building Power Rangers & Kamen Rider*

Andy was approached in late 2023 to oversee the formation of new seasons of Power Rangers following a lucrative proposal to move the production from New Zealand to the UK. This coinciding with Andy working on Doctor Who in the same country.

When it was announced that he would be taking on the job of overseeing Power Rangers into the next era, Wilkins said:

> *"For the last 20 years, Power Rangers has operated from the United States with New Zealand being the base for filming. Now under my vision, both the filming and production will be done entirely in the UK which is arguably a lot more accessible for those in the USA than it is to reach New Zealand. We've got a backlog of seasons to get through and I intend to make all of the backlogged seasons work to the best of our ability."*
>
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Andy's first season adapted was from Resha Sentai Toqger with Power Rangers Train Force which comprised of a reduced 15 episode format. The idea was to adapt two seasons in one year in order to overcome the backlog of previous seasons that hadn't been done due to the two-season rule implemented during the Neo-Saban era.

Train Force saw Wilkins work with Transport For London and Network Rail in getting the filming sorted on the TFL network which included even filming days done at the depots of the various trains required alongside notable Tube stations such as Westminster, Tower Hill and many others. Something that was praised by the UK Secretary of State for Transport in showcasing the best of British rail transport.

For the following series of Animal Universe, Wilkins worked closely with London Zoo which saw both parties gain a new amount of attraction and interest. It was during this time when Wilkins would oversee the return of a few teams in particular by commissioning a few special movies beginning with Power Rangers Wild Force: Unity Of The Animals which brought back the Wild Force Rangers after 20 years including the return of Ricardo Medina Jr.

When asked about the potential return of Medina Jr to the show following the time spent in prison over five years earlier over a manslaughter charge, Wilkins stated "Everyone has made mistakes in their life and Ricardo is no different to that. He has shown remorse to what he has done alongside a willingness to change and learn from the error of his ways and for that, Ricardo wanted to come in and play Cole again so we gave him that opportunity. Unless he does something wrong under my eye, I have no issue to work with him in any productions."

The success from Unity Of The Animals enabled Wilkins to move onto finally adapting Power Rangers: Wild Force vs Ninja Storm and Power Rangers: Super Megaforce vs Beast Morphers which enabled the teams to return for well overdue crossovers. When dealing with the character of Shane following the death of Pua Magasiva, Wilkins stated that he had managed to secure the blessing of Magasiva's family in using archive audio footage for his lines. It was also believe he would remain morphed and only show up for the final battle.

#### Significant additions to the *Power Rangers/Kamen Rider* universe

Wilkins came up with the concept of the idea of returning back to basics with using the available source footage alongside bringing back particular teams such as the SPD, Super Megaforce, Ninja Steel, Dino Charge and Dino Fury teams for team ups. This was first realised when Sean Cw Johnson returned for the series finale of Train Force as Carter Grayson where he was given the power of the Elizabeth Line, after having previously led a train-based mega-zord in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue.

Two seasons later and Galaxy Hunters would see a full cast of 13 former-rangers return for a short yet action packed season of fun. Wilkins was cited as wanting to bring as many former-rangers back for the short season.

## Selected credits

### *Doctor Who*

* The Secret War Of 1941 - Writer
* Water Of Life - Writer
* The Family Of The Doctor - Writer
* Summer Movie - Doctor Who vs Super Sentai vs Kamen Rider - Co-Writer
* Day Of Rassilon / War Of The Time Lords - Writer
* Doctor Who vs Sherlock: The Movie - Co-Writer
* The Christmas Riot - Writer
* The Pyramids Of Sutekh - Writer
* The Intelligence Dynasty / Vengeance Of Earth - Writer
* The Night Santa Stole Christmas - Writer
* The Final Extermination / Trenches Of The Daleks - Writer

### Other

* Regular column in *Doctor Who Magazine*.

### *Power Rangers*

* The Line Of Mystery / Ways Of The Line / One Way Ticket - Writer
* The Next Stop / Final Destination / Destiny Of The Trains - Writer
* Instincts Awaken / A Wild To Save - Writer
* Wild At Heart / Battle Of The Animals - Writer
* Reawaken Your Power - Writer
* Legacy Of The Universe - Writer
* Secrets Of Master Lupin / New Secrets - Writer
* Meet Master Lupin / Stronger Together - Writer
* Shine / Crystals Of Destiny - Writer
* The Fate Of Crystalia - Writer
* A Legacy Like No Other / Shift Into Gears - Writer
* Gears Of Time / Legacy Of The Gears - Writer
* Warriors Of The Momotaro / Two Teams, One Conclusion - Writer
* Battle Of The Avatars / Avatars Unite - Writer
* Prophecy Of The Kings / Soldiers Of The People - Writer
* Regal Warriors Forever / For Royalty & Country - Writer