Ncuti Gatwa isn’t the only new face joining Doctor Who this year. Although most of the hubbub surrounding the new season has revolved around Gatwa’s initiation as the Fourteenth Doctor (which also makes him the first actor of color to headline the series), the show will likewise introduce Yasmin Finney as a character named Rose. The full nature of Finney’s role (including her relationship with the namesake Time Lord) remains a mystery. But we can officially confirm that Rose will appear as a trans woman, just like the actress who plays her.
Finney confirmed her character’s trans identity at the Trans Pride march (via Collider) held in London over the weekend. During the event, she gave a rousing speech calling for trans equality, and she even took aim at the country’s outgoing prime minister over his own spotty record on LGBT issues.
“How many of you have seen Doctor Who?” began Finney. “Yeah, because that is also a moment and that is also a show where my character is trans. So, Boris [Johnson], I hope you see Heartstopper, I hope you see Doctor Who, because I exist, and I know you know I exist. We all exist, and we’re not going anywhere! Period.”
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“I love this so much. This is my first London Trans Pride: I feel so connected to my community more than ever. If the government is trying to eradicate us, we’re all here and we’re just duplicating.” – #heartstopper‘s incredible Yasmin Finney (@yazdemand) at #LondonTransPride pic.twitter.com/c5vVTikKu7
— PinkNews (@PinkNews) July 9, 2022
Heartstopper marked Finney’s TV debut when it was released to critical acclaim on Netflix back in April. Just one month later, BBC announced her as part of the cast of Doctor Who’s upcoming season. We still don’t know if Rose will be the Doctor’s new companion or if she will even have a presence beyond the upcoming 60th anniversary special. But whatever the case, Finney’s involvement definitely signals a crucial step forward for the long-running franchise.
Doctor Who is currently shooting in Wales and will air its new season on BBC America sometime next year.
Are you happy to hear the series will reflect Finney’s real-life gender identity? Let us know in the comment section below!
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