The new series of Doctor Who will see the Doctor joined by his first openly gay companion.
Pearl Mackie’s Bill Potts, whose casting was announced nearly a year ago, will apparently have her sexuality revealed in the opening moments of Series 10’s first episode, titled ‘The Pilot’.
In an interview with the BBC, Mackie insisted Bill’s sexuality shouldn’t be a big deal. She commented: ‘It’s about time, isn’t it? It’s important to say people are gay, people are black – there are also aliens in the world as well so watch out for them.’
She went on to insist that Bill’s sexuality doesn’t define her character, rather it is “something she’s very happy and very comfortable with”.
It’s not the first time openly gay characters have appeared in the show – recurring characters Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) and River Song (Alex Kingston) are bisexual. Jack also lead Who‘s spin-off show Torchwood. However, Bill is the first full-time companion (a.k.a. member of the regular cast) to be openly gay.
Mackie’s past credits include the stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which is currently at Mayflower Theatre with a new cast. It is unknown whether she will continue into further Who seasons, with the current incarnation of the Doctor (Peter Capaldi) set to regenerate in this year’s Christmas Special.
Doctor Who returns on Saturday April 15th. Check out the teaser for Series 10 below@
