C is for... Cheetah People

Feline beings who were all that was left of a once great civilisation, which thrived on an unnamed planet. The inhabitants were psychically in tune with their world. They were great hunters, and bred a species of small black cat which could transport themselves through space to seek out new prey - bringing it back to the planet with them. Anyone who remained on the planet for any length of time began to turn into a Cheetah person. As their society declined, so the Cheetahs became more feral, and the planet began to die. It would be shaken by earth tremors when they fought amongst themselves. An injured Cheetah could be cured by drinking the planet's waters.
A number of Ace's friends were transported to the planet to be hunted. One Cheetah - Karra - arrived on Earth and abducted Ace. The two soon found that they shared a bond. Karra wanted Ace to join her as one of her kind. The Doctor followed, and found that the Master was trapped here. He was battling to stop himself from transforming.
To get away, it was necessary to use a Cheetah or one of the black cats - a Kitling - or someone who was becoming a Cheetah person. The Master used a young man named Midge to transport himself to Earth, whilst the Doctor used Ace.
The Doctor and Ace were attacked by Midge and the Master. Midge was killed, and Karra appeared in time to save Ace. The Master killed her, and she reverted to being a humanoid woman. The Doctor and the Master were transported back to the planet as it began to break up. The Doctor managed to return to Earth. He told Ace that the Cheetah people would have transported themselves away to a new home, so the planet would live on in them.

Played by: Lisa Bowerman (Karra). Appearances: Survival (1989).

• Bowerman has played Bernice Summerfield - a companion created for the Virgin New Adventures novels - on audio for Big Finish for many years. She has played other parts, and directed a number of stories.
• At least one of the extras playing the Cheetahs couldn't cope with the high temperatures when filming this story. They stripped off and quit. The costume was not popular with the production team either, as they were hoping for something less cuddly. Script Editor Andrew Cartmel had hoped for just prosthetic claws and fangs. Writer Rona Munro also expressed her dissatisfaction.

A Cheetah costume at the Doctor Who Experience in 2017.