Russell Tovey says the gay companion in ‘Doctor Who’ should be "celebrated".
Last week it was announced that Bill Potts [Pearl Mackie] will be introduced to the TARDIS in the first episode of the new series as a lesbian and he think it is a "fantastic" move from the BBC One sci-fi show’s
showrunner Steven Moffat – who will hand over to Chris Chibnall next year – and he thinks it is "time" for a female Doctor too.
He told RadioTimes.com: "I think it should be celebrated. And it should be highlighted and let people know that in mainstream TV, in ‘Doctor Who’ world, there is an openly gay woman assistant. Fantastic.
"We’ve been discussing if the Doctor’s going to be a woman. I think again, it’s time."
Russell, who is openly gay himself, believes that a homosexual character in shows like ‘Doctor Who’ should be "highlighted".
He said: "Maybe it shouldn’t be discussed but within ‘Doctor Who’ world it’s a new spin on something.
"We’ve had gay characters, we’ve had John Barrowman as Captain Jack and then my character Midshipman Frame is hinted as being gay.
"That makes me happy – it makes me very happy. I think it should definitely be something that is talked about and highlighted and celebrity and everyone should know about it."
However, Moffat said he would prefer people didn’t make a big fuss about Bill’s sexuality.
He recently said: "It is important that we don’t make a big fuss about this in a children’s show, which communicates directly with children.
"We don’t want young kids, who may happen to fancy their own gender, we don’t want them to feel as if they are some kind of special case, as that’s frightening."
Russell Tovey celebrates gay Doctor Who companion
