"I never expected this character to become so beloved,” admits Alex Kingston, who plays River Song, “and I’m still a little bemused, actually, as to why she is. But it’s lovely, because it’s men, women, boys, girls - everybody responds to this character, which is really nice.
“Certainly, meeting my fans over the years, the one thing that I have realised is that she’s become this great symbol of strength, individuality; she can be who she is, without feeling that she has to be something else, or has to conform, or fit in. Interestingly, I’ve started to realise that perhaps this is actually a character who symbolises something really positive, particularly for young girls and women who feel intimidated or pressured, whether it’s in school or society, or wherever they are, if they’re feeling a little lost.