Former Doctor Who star Pearl Mackie has called for the next Time Lord companion to be played by a non-binary actor.
The 34-year-old, who played Bill Potts, the Doctor’s first openly gay companion in 2017, believes having someone who identifies as neither male nor female is the ‘next logical step’ for the show.
‘I think it would be great to have someone non-binary playing the part,’ she said in an interview with The Daily Telegraph newspaper.
‘The Doctor doesn’t really identify with human constraints at all. So, I feel that could be a logical next step, wouldn’t it?’
Pearl, who came out as bisexual last year in a poignant post while celebrating Pride month, also added that she’s proud her character Bill was able to help viewers embrace their own sexuality.
‘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,’ she told the publication.
Pearl’s comments come as Doctor Who fans patiently wait to discover who will be taking over Jodie Whittaker’s Time Lord role and friend Yaz (played by Mandip Gill).
Jodie previously confirmed that she will be leaving the beloved sci-fi in 2022 along with showrunner Chris Chibnall – and she’s already filmed the regeneration scene which will introduce the 14th Doctor to the world.
‘We filmed some scenes, but the new Doctor wasn’t there,’ she revealed. ‘I wasn’t there for Peter (Capaldi), and I only met him months later when I passed him in the street!’
While it was announced that Russell T Davies will make an explosive return to helm the series after bringing Doctor Who back to screens in 2005, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will take on the main role.
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