Doctor Who Gets Openly Gay Companion in Pearl Mackie

Fantastic news, Doctor Who fans! The BBC has announced season 10 companion, Pearl Mackie’s character Bill Potts, will be openly gay.

There’s a lot of news swirling about what season 10 of Doctor Who will look like since we are getting a new companion and this will be Peter Capaldi’s last dance around the Tardis. The BBC confirmed this Friday new companion Bill Potts would be openly gay.  It will be revealed early on during the April 15 premiere episode of season 10 of Doctor Who.

Pearl Mackie who plays the new companion Bill Potts had this to say about the announcement:

"“That representation is important, especially on a mainstream show.”"

And Mackie is quite right. Representation in all media is needed especially in a show like Doctor Who, that has worldwide appeal.

Mackie also went on to say during the interview:

"“[Being gay] is not the main thing that defines her character – it’s something that’s part of her and something that she’s very happy and very comfortable with.”"

Many fans of Doctor Who know that gay and bisexual characters have been featured before but never have been a permanent companion. Actor John Barrowman who played Captain Jack was openly bisexual but wasn’t considered a full-time partner. Although, we and many other fans found him to be one. River Song was also a bisexual. She allegedly had two wives and several husbands before marrying the Doctor. Also, who can forget our favorite married couple Madame Vastra and Jenny? Both have spent years helping the good Doctor save the world all the while being the most adorable couple on the show.

We still don’t know who exactly will play the Doctor after Peter Capaldi leaves. It might be awhile before one is picked. Steven Moffat didn’t announce such things until after the season ended. With Doctor Who getting a new showrunner in Broadchurch‘s Chris Chibnall, who knows if the reveal will come sooner.

Next: April TV Preview: New and Returning Shows to Watch

Tell us in the comments whom you think would make an excellent Doctor for Doctor Who.