Highlights
Doctor Who introduces a new character named Rose, who is the daughter of Donna Noble and Shaun Temple, bringing a connection to the previous series.
Rose's adventures will involve encounters with aliens and have a meaningful influence on her seemingly ordinary family. The introduction of Yasmin Finney portraying a trans woman character and Ncuti Gatwa as a gay Doctor signifies a positive progression towards inclusivity in the cherished Doctor Who series.
Doctor Who fans were initially confused when they learned that a new actress would be portraying a character named Rose in the highly-anticipated upcoming continuation of their beloved series. Despite the usual air of confusion being a quintessential part of the Doctor Who experience, the show's creators have now decided to clarify the details surrounding her character.
While Doctor Who has introduced numerous memorable one-off characters, there was always something particularly intriguing about this "new" Rose. When Ncuti Gatwa from "Barbie" was announced as the new Doctor, it coincided with the surprising reveal of several other delightful characters. Among them was Yasmin Finney, renowned for her role in "Heartstopper," who was introduced as a mysterious character named Rose, sharing the same name as the iconic Rose Tyler, previously portrayed by Billie Piper. This announcement immediately sparked speculation among fans, who were left pondering if this new Rose was a reincarnation of the original or an entirely different entity.
Fortunately, the BBC has taken the initiative to provide clarification. On their official Instagram account, the company extended birthday wishes to Finney and unveiled her character's true identity. They introduced her as Rose Noble, the daughter of Donna Noble (played by Catherine Tate) and Shaun Temple (Karl Collins), and welcomed her to the #DoctorWho family. This connection between characters certainly keeps everything intertwined.
The post further tantalized fans with a hint of what to expect from Finney's escapades as Rose Noble. It posed the question of what happens when Rose encounters one of her mother’s long-time friends, given that the Doctor had previously erased Donna's memory. The answer remains a mystery for now, but what is known is that, like her mother, Rose chances upon something extraterrestrial, forever altering her seemingly ordinary family dynamic. In the realm of Doctor Who, a peaceful existence is never to be anticipated.
Tate was announced to return as Donna alongside fan-favorite David Tennant, who would portray a new version of The Doctor while still retaining his original appearance. This confirmed that Russell T. Davies would bring nostalgia to Doctor Who as the showrunner. Donna is widely considered one of the best companions, justifying her return. However, this does not mean that the show will solely rely on rehashing the classics. Notably, Finney's character Rose will be portrayed as a transgender woman, reflecting Finney's own identity.
This inclusivity represents an important step forward, particularly as it is confirmed that Gatwa's Doctor will be gay. It is surprising that it took this long for a prominent transgender character to be featured in a time-and-space-traveling alien tale like Doctor Who. Hopefully, this development paves the way for further representation in the future. It is crucial for everyone to see themselves reflected in the media they love, and few series generate as much adoration as Doctor Who.
Doctor Who will return for its 60th Anniversary specials in November 2023 on BBC.
Source: Doctor Who/Instagram