Television

Doctor Who: Trans actor Pete MacHale joins Ncuti Gatwa for season 14

By Jordan Robledo

3rd April 2023

Openly trans actor Pete MacHale has joined the upcoming season of Doctor Who.

According to TV Zone, the young talent has joined the show’s 14th outing, which features Ncuti Gatwa as the titular time lord. 

While details surrounding his role are scarce, MacHale’s inclusion makes him the first out trans man to star in the long-running franchise. 

The new batch of episodes are also set to feature Bhav Joshi, Eilidh Loan, Miles Yekinni and Hemi Yeroham in undisclosed roles. 

Shortly after the news made headlines, LGBTQ+ fans clamoured to social media to celebrate the show’s trans inclusion. 

One fan wrote: “I can’t believe I haven’t seen Doctor Who fans shouting about this on here. Pete MacHale is the first trans man actor in Doctor Who! I can’t wait to see him in action. Thank you, RTD! #TransDayofVisibility.”

Another fan tweeted: “On my way to f***ing cry. I’m so happy, oh my god.”

MacHale isn’t the only trans actor to make history on the long-running series. 

Back in May, it was revealed that Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney would be starring as a new Rose for Doctor Who’s 60th-anniversary special – which is set to feature David Tennant reprising his role as the Doctor. 

“This show has a place in so many people’s hearts, so to be seen as a trans actress by the legend himself, Russell [T Davies], has not only made my year, it’s made my life,” Finney said in a statement following her casting. 

“I cannot wait to begin this journey and for you all to see how Rose blossoms. Get ready.”

It’s A Sin creator and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies echoed similar sentiments in an additional statement. 

“Life on Doctor Who gets brighter and wilder – how can there be another Rose? You’ll find out in 2023, but it’s an absolute joy to welcome Yasmin to the Doctor Who set,” he teased. 

“We all fell in love with her in Heartstopper, one of those shows which changes the world – and now Yasmin can change the Whoniverse.”

Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary is set to premiere in November 2023, with its 14th season airing in early 2024.

We can’t wait to see Finney and MacHale make their grand debut in Doctor Who.