The Evolution of Doctor Who's Rose: Exploring the Iconic Companion's Legacy in the Whovian Universe

Summary

Actor Yasmin Finney opens up about the pressure and honor of playing the character Rose, who shares the name of a legacy character in Doctor Who's history.

Rose's character could be linked to the Noble family, taking inspiration from Billie Piper's companion, Rose Tyler. This addition would infuse Donna's story with a deeper emotional impact.

Finney's character represents a significant breakthrough as the show's first prominent transgender character, heightening the excitement surrounding her upcoming appearance in the 60th-anniversary specials.

Actor Yasmin Finney discusses the historical importance of her character Rose's name in her upcoming debut as a companion on Doctor Who. Finney will be appearing alongside David Tennant, Ncuti Gatwa, and Catherine Tate in a trilogy of special episodes commemorating the show's 60th anniversary. Rose is set to make her full appearance in the first episode, "The Star Beast," scheduled to air in the fall of 2023.

As the 60th-anniversary celebrations for Doctor Who approach, Finney spoke to Elle about her role in the three special episodes and the significance of her character's name. Finney acknowledged feeling significant pressure to live up to the legacy of the character, but she also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to portray the show's first major transgender character. Read Finney's full explanation below:

How Rose's Name Could Be An Emotional Connection To A Past Doctor Who Companion

It undeniably possesses a rich history, doesn't it? Assuming the role of a character with such a profound past, including just the name, instantly brings on a certain level of pressure that I didn't experience with Elle. When I was chosen for the part, it completely blew my mind. I was so caught up in the moment that I can't really recreate that feeling. Initially, the show had a code name, but when I discovered its true identity, I couldn't believe that I had just been cast in Doctor Who. What makes it even more extraordinary is that the character I play is transgender, and it's truly a remarkable opportunity to portray such a significant figure like Rose.

Speculation is rife regarding the upcoming 60th-anniversary celebrations of Doctor Who and the intriguing connection between the character Rose and a familiar figure. Filming footage and promotional material for the new episodes have showcased Rose alongside Donna Noble, played by Tate, who is making a return. Rose has also been seen with her mother Sylvia, her husband Shaun, and her grandfather Wilf. This has led to theories suggesting that Rose may be the daughter of Donna and Shaun, and that she will become entangled in the Doctor's reappearance and the resurgence of alien activity in London.

Rose potentially being part of the Noble family could be attributed to her being named after Billie Piper's companion, Rose Tyler, who had encounters with the Noble family in the final three episodes of Doctor Who season 4. Rose played a crucial role in helping Donna escape a dark alternate reality, saving Sylvia and Wilf from a Dalek, and joining forces with Donna and other former companions to prevent Davros and the Dalek's plan to destroy existence. Despite Donna's memory being erased by the Tenth Doctor, it is likely that the name of the woman who saved her life and her loved ones remained in her subconscious, leading to her unconsciously naming her daughter after her.

The mention of Finney's character's name, which coincidentally resembles Rose Tyler's name, left many viewers astounded considering Rose's significant role in the revived seasons of Doctor Who. While Billie Piper won't be reprising her role, Finney's character provides a way to acknowledge the first companion of the revived series and potentially add a new depth to Donna's storyline. Additionally, viewers are eagerly anticipating how the Doctor will react to Finney's character when she makes her debut in the 60th-anniversary specials, especially since she will be sharing scenes with Gatwa and Tennant.

Source: Elle