Pearl Mackie is hoping to see a non-binary actor take on the lead role in the next new season of Doctor Who.
The actress made history on the show as Bill Potts, the first openly gay companion in the show’s history.
She appeared alongside Peter Capaldi as The Doctor during the actor’s final season in 2017 and has now shared her thoughts on who should take on the role following Jodie Whittaker’s departure.
“I would like to see both a female and a non-white doctor,” Mackie tells The Telegraph. “That’s the thing about Doctor Who, isn’t it? There’s so much room for change.”
The 34-year-old believes the show’s storyline leaves no reason for inclusivity not being a priority.
Mackie adds: “The Doctor’s regenerations allow the show to move with the times.
“In fact, I think it would be great to have someone non-binary playing the part.
“The Doctor doesn’t really identify with human constraints at all.
“So I feel that could be a logical next step, wouldn’t it?”
During her interview with the newspaper, the actress explains that representation is incredibly important to her.
“I really didn’t see people like me on TV when I was young,” she says before revealing that her mother used to call her every time a Black person appeared on the TV.
Doctor Who will be seeing a lot of change in the coming years, as Russell T. Davies will also be returning as showrunner after Chris Chibnall’s departure.
Davies was the driving force in the show’s revival in 2005, as well as spin offs such as Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
Confirmed by the BBC on 24 September, the It’s a Sin creator will once again be at the helm of Doctor Who to celebrate the show’s momentous 60th anniversary in 2023.
He will stay on for at least the following season, though no timeframe beyond that has yet been confirmed.
“I’m beyond excited to be back on my favourite show,” Davies said. “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.”
Davies’ original run on the series was met with overwhelming critical acclaim and has been widely attributed as a reason for the show’s success when it returned in the 2000s.
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