 In 2004 , Russell T Davies — Doctor Who 's executive producer — was responsible for Casanova , a serial set in the 18th century . During his research , Davies become fascinated by Madame de Pompadour and wanted to include her in a story which also involved The Turk — a clockwork man who played chess around the same period and which was later revealed to be a hoax . In early 2005 , Moffat — who had written " The Empty Child " and " The Doctor Dances " for the series — was assigned to write the story . Euros Lyn was later assigned to direct it . Sophia Myles stated in an interview on Doctor Who Confidential that she did not have to audition for the role of Madame de Pompadour , she was offered it . 
