The BBC has addressed the 144 complaints lodged to the broadcaster over the inclusion of a transgender character in the sci-fi series Doctor Who.
The Doctor and his TARDIS returned in 2023 with David Tennant back in the leading role before he was replaced by Ncuti Gatwa on Christmas Day.
Gatwa wasn’t the only new face to join the series alongside new showrunner Russell T Davies as Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney joined as transgender character Rose Noble.
Finney’s Rose was introduced as the daughter of Catherine Tate’s Donna and throughout last year’s special, her transition was addressed in several scenes.
Viewers witnessed Rose’s family come to terms with her new pronouns while a scene featuring the newcomer collaring Tennant’s Doctor for misgendering an alien-like Meep sparked controversy.
The Beeb has now addressed complaints about Finney’s inclusion, saying on its complaints site: “We have received complaints from viewers who object to the inclusion of a transgender character in the programme and from others who feel there are too few transgender people represented.”
Yasmin Finney played Rose Noble in Doctor Who
BBC
The BBC’s response to the complaints reads: “As regular viewers of Doctor Who will be aware, the show has and will always continue to proudly celebrate diversity and reflect the world we live in.
“We are always mindful of the content within our episodes.”
Showrunner Davies has publicly shared his ambition to include more diverse roles in his projects and Doctor Who was no different.
For example, before he cast Gatwa in the lead role, Davies auditioned male, female and non-binary actors for the part.
When Finney was unveiled as a member of the cast back in the summer of 2023, Davies said: “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.
“We all fell in love with her in Heartstopper, one of those shows which changes the world – and now Yasmin can change the Whoniverse!”
Finney also said at the time that she was elated to be able to represent the trans community in the BBC show.
“If anyone would have told eight-year-old Yasmin that one day she’d be part of this iconic show, I would have never in a million years believed them,” Finney told the BBC.
David Tennant and Yasmin Finney starred alongside each other in last year’s Doctor Who specials
BBC
“This show has a place in so many people’s hearts, so to be seen as a trans actress by the legend himself Russell, has not only made my year, it’s made my life.
“I cannot wait to begin this journey and for you all to see how Rose blossoms. Get Ready.”
