Ray (Delta and the Bannermen)

Rachel (better known as Ray) was a mechanic and motorcycle enthusiast in Wales in 1959.

Biography
Ray was childhood friends with Billy, with whom she was in love. He was a professional mechanic and part-time singer at a Welsh holiday camp, Shangri-La. Her love for him turned out to be unrequited, as he fell in love with the Chimeron Queen, Delta; he saw Rachel as nothing more than "like my little sister".

Ray met the Seventh Doctor when he arrived at Shangri-La and helped him in his confrontation with Gavrok and the Bannermen. She provided him with transport on the Vincent as he sought to warn Delta of Gavrok's arrival. Ray helped get Delta to safety when the Bannermen attacked. (TV: Delta and the Bannermen)

Fenric later hinted that he had flipped a coin to decide whether Ray or Ace would become the Doctor's companion. He described her as "a lovelorn motorcyclist... from Wales". (AUDIO: Gods and Monsters)

Companion
Ray was originally created with the intention that she would replace Mel as a companion. There were rumours that Bonnie Langford was leaving the show. However, filming and airing schedules meant that Mel actually departed in Dragonfire and was replaced by Ace. (BBC DVD: Survival)

Casting
Three of the actors who auditioned for the part of Ray were Sophie Aldred, Lynn Gardner and Sara Griffiths. Gardner got the part, but was injured during rehearsals with the motorbike and had to withdraw. The role went to Griffiths, and Gardner was still paid. (As Gardner was still under contract, she was given the less strenuous role of the Announcer in Dragonfire.) Aldred played Ace, beginning in the next serial. (INFO: Delta and the Bannermen)