The audio drama series Doctor Who – Rutans vs Sontarans continues today, with the second of four linked stories which reveal a previously untold tale threading throughout the long and brutal war between the two alien races. 

This time, the spotlight is on the Second Doctor (Michael Troughton). He encountered the Sontarans on screen in 1985 story The Two Doctors, and this time, travelling with Jamie (Frazer Hines) and Zoe (Wendy Padbury), he’ll come face to face with both of the warring races. But that's not all, as this is another tale of two Doctors... 

Running around in the shadows of the medical ship Lockhart is the Eighth Doctor (Paul McGann), on a mission of his own which intersects with his past lives. How will Zoe fare when she’s separated from her own Doctor and must team up with this very different Time Lord? 

Doctor Who – Rutans vs Sontarans: Rendition is now available to purchase for just £9.99 (as a digital download to own) or £14.99 (download + collector’s edition CD), exclusively here. Please note: the collector’s edition CD is strictly limited to 1,500 copies and will not be re-pressed. 

At the edge of the Sontaran-Rutan War, a large medical ship lingers in space. The Doctor and his friends find a group of strange survivors aboard planning something unusual to save their commander. 

What new powers do the Rutans possess? What secrets does the Lockhart hold? As the conflict creeps closer, the Doctor must work out how to rescue those no longer versed in war...
 

The guest cast of Rendition includes Jonathon Carley (who regular Big Finish listeners will recognise as the War Doctor) as the Sontarans, Lucy Scott (known for the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice) as Nurse Marva, and Tom Alexander (heard in the Good Omens and Alien audio series) as the Patients and Rutans. 

Actor Michael Troughton reflected on playing the role originated on TV by his father Patrick: “He was able to do this incredible switch from being a bit of a buffoon on the surface and then suddenly an incredibly intelligent man. This script brings that out really well, because there are wonderful moments, especially with the joking between Jamie and the Doctor.” 

And, Wendy Padbury, whose character Zoe spends much of this episode paired with Paul McGann’s Eighth Doctor, said: “That was lovely. He was really, really good. Sorry, Michael, but it is always interesting to have scenes with a different Doctor! A completely different take on it. And I love the fact that in this story, Zoe can’t quite put her finger on who he is.” 

Rutans vs Sontarans continues in June with Grave Moon, featuring the Sixth Doctor (Colin Baker), Peri (Nicola Bryant), and another appearance from the Eighth Doctor (Paul McGann). 

The complete Doctor Who - Rutans vs Sontarans series bundle is now available to pre-order for just £32 (as digital downloads to own) or £52 (downloads + collector’s edition CDs), exclusively here.

All the above prices (including pre-order and multibuy bundle discounts) are fixed for a limited time only and guaranteed no later than 30 June 2026. 

SALE NOW ON! For a strictly limited time, there are huge savings on a selection of Second Doctor releases and bundles. Dozens of discounts available. Click here to browse the collection. Hurry! Offer ends no later than 23:59 (UK time) on 25 May 2026. 

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.