Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary Special Receives 144 Complaints

The BBC's Response to Complaints

Doctor Who's 60th-anniversary special received 144 complaints, sparking a response from the BBC regarding the character Rose Noble, portrayed by Yasmin Finney. The corporation issued an official statement affirming its support for the series' core values of inclusivity and diversity, despite the complaints received.

Sylvia and Rose reacting to a wild story of the Doctor's in the Doctor Who 60th anniversary speical The Giggle

The Heartstopper star made her series debut in 'The Star Beast' as the daughter of Catherine Tate's former companion, Donna Noble. Finney is confirmed to return in future Doctor Who stories, with trailers for 2024's season 14 revealing Rose will meet Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor.

The BBC's statement emphasized its commitment to celebrating diversity and accurately representing a wide-open community, reflecting the world we live in. The response aimed to reassure fans of the show's dedication to inclusivity and the importance of mindful content within its episodes.

Russell T Davies' New Doctor Who Era

Russell T Davies, the returning showrunner of Doctor Who, has faced criticism and backlash for his work in the past. Notably, his 1999 drama Queer as Folk received criticism from various quarters, including the LGBTQ+ community and right-wing commentators. Despite this, Davies has remained committed to promoting diverse stories and standing up against bigoted voices.

Davies' return to Doctor Who has brought about a focus on inclusivity and diversity, exemplified by the character Rose's portrayal as a trans girl in 'The Star Beast.' The era under Davies has also featured a diverse cast, with the series casting Mary Malone as companion Ruby Sunday's friend and bandmate Trudy, as well as Jinkx Monsoon and Jonathan Groff in major roles for season 14.

The casting of Yasmin Finney in Doctor Who has been well-received, leading to excitement about her return alongside Ncuti Gatwa in future adventures. However, it has also attracted negativity and bigoted remarks from a vocal minority. The BBC's response serves as a reaffirmation of the series' commitment to inclusivity and diversity, despite the divisive reactions from some quarters.

Doctor Who's Future and Availability

The 60th-anniversary specials of Doctor Who are available on Disney+ for international viewers and BBC iPlayer for UK audiences. Additionally, the upcoming season 14 is set to release in May 2024, promising more exciting adventures and diverse representation for fans of the long-running series.