Clani

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Mr Smith decodes a Morse code message addressed to Clani. (TV: The Man Who Never Was)

Clani was the portmanteau of Clyde Langer and Rani Chandra's first names. In 2011, the word was invented by Luke Smith at the University of Oxford, and was, for an indefinite period of time, shared privately among the three. Sarah Jane Smith first became aware of the word on Luke's initial meeting with his adoptive sister Sky around the time of the introduction of the SerfBoard.

Rani wrote off the term as a lame attempt at humour, but also asked Luke, "Don't call us that." (TV: The Man Who Never Was).

Future references

Clyde joked “Clani did it again” in Here Today (audio story), linking it to the occasions that the two of them together have defeated various alien encounters in their past. Matthew, a UNIT soldier, alluded that at some point Luke referred to the romantic nature of their relationship. Patricia numerously mentioned the romantic potential of their relationship, in notably saying that they would “make a lovely couple.”

In Destination: Wedding (audio story), Gita Chandra implied that she always imagined the two would end up together until “something happened.” Tish, a former classmate of Luke, Clyde and Rani, revealed that prior to The Day of the Clown (TV story), Clyde was once close to pursuing a relationship with her until Rani started at Park Vale Comprehensive School, deterring his interest. In response to Tish’s comments on the nature of her relationship with Clyde, Rani told her they are “just mates”.

In Tales of the Tardis, Clyde reunited with Jo Grant, who advised him to confess his love to Rani.

Behind the scenes

Clani is a term that originated in fandom, and was in particular use amongst people who wrote fan fiction. It described a kind of story that focused on the relationship between Clyde and Rani, often stressing its romantic possibilities.