Doctor Who’s Pearl Mackie wants a non-binary actor to play The Doctor
The actress, who is bisexual, made history as the first LGBTQ sidekick for the Timelord, starring alongside Peter Capaldi's Doctor
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Kit Oates
Pearl Mackie, who starred alongside Peter Capaldi in Doctor Who as the first openly gay sidekick in the series’ history has said she’s like to see the next Doctor be non-binary.
The actress, 34, who is bisexual, said it would be a natural move given the Timelord’s frequent regenerations, which she says allow the show to “move with the times”.
Jodie Whittaker is currently playing the iconic Doctor but is due to step down from the role next year.
“So much room for change”
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph the actress said given the fact a woman has now played the role, it should next go to someone who is non-binary.
“I think it would be great to have someone non-binary playing the part,’ she said adding, “The Doctor doesn’t really identify with human constraints at all. So I feel that could be a logical next step, wouldn’t it?”
She also said that there is “so much room for change” with the role and that the regenerative nature of the character allows “the show to move with the times”.
In regards to the way her openly gay character on the show, Bill Potts, helped fans with their journeys the actress said: “That’s not something you ever imagine when you decide to be an actor: that you are going to help shape someone’s life, or their journey, particularly something as complicated as nuanced as coming out.”
Pearl will next be seen alongside Attitude Award winner and cover star Ben Aldridge in the ITV drama The Long Call. Watch the trailer below:
Recently, it was confirmed that Russell T. Davies, who helped bring Doctor Who back in 2005 would be returning to be the showrunner from 2023, taking over from Chris Chibnall.
In a statement, Davies said: “I’m beyond excited to be back on my favourite show. But we’re time-travelling too fast, there’s a whole series of Jodie Whittaker’s brilliant Doctor for me to enjoy, with my friend and hero Chris Chibnall at the helm – I’m still a viewer for now.”
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