In a highly anticipated turn of events, the Doctor Who fandom is buzzing with excitement as David Tennant, set to reprise his role as the beloved Doctor, shares his enthusiasm for Ncuti Gatwa’s upcoming era as the 15th Doctor. As the show gears up for its 60th-anniversary specials this month, Tennant’s sentiments shed light on the LGBTQ+ inclusive direction the series is taking.
Former companion Donna Noble, played by Catherine Tate, is making a thrilling return to the TARDIS alongside Tennant’s Doctor. Gatwa, known for his role in “Sex Education,” is poised to take over as the Doctor in time for the festive special, joined by new companion Ruby Sunday, portrayed by Millie Gibson.
The three special episodes, titled “The Star Beast,” “Wild Blue Yonder,” and “The Giggle,” are set to feature a cast brimming with LGBTQ+ talent. Notable names include trans star Yasmin Finney as Donna’s daughter Rose, Neil Patrick Harris as classic Who antagonist the Toymaker, and Miriam Margolyes as the delightfully villainous Beep the Meep.
Gatwa’s era promises even more queer representation with guest stars like Jonathan Groff, Drag Race legend Jinkx Monsoon, and rising trans screen stars Mary Malone and Pete MacHale making appearances.
As the LGBTQ+ community eagerly anticipates this new chapter of Doctor Who under the stewardship of Russell T Davies, Tennant couldn’t contain his admiration for Gatwa’s take on the gender-bending, space-and-time-traveling alien. “God, he’s good casting,” Tennant exclaimed, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the show’s future.
Davies, the returning showrunner and creator of “Queer as Folk,” previously lauded Gatwa’s audition, recognizing the impact of casting a Black queer actor as the Doctor. As the show continues to evolve, the Time Lord role remains a symbol of progress, tradition, and inclusivity in UK television.
The onscreen chemistry between Gatwa and Yasmin Finney, who publicly came out as queer this year, is expected to be a highlight. Finney, reflecting on their collaboration, celebrated the intersection of two Black queer actors on screen, acknowledging the significance of their partnership.
The Doctor Who 60th-anniversary celebrations kick off on November 25 with “The Star Beast” on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, followed by a global release on Disney+. With Gatwa’s era promising groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation, fans are eagerly counting down the days to this historic milestone in the iconic series.
