Doctor Who is a getting a new companion for the show's 60th anniversary, though she may be one fans have already seen before.
Accoring to Variety, the BBC series has cast Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney as "Rose," who showrunner Russell T. Davies hints may be another Rose Tyler, a fan-favorite companion from the very beginning of the Doctor Who reboot. "Life on Doctor Who gets brighter and wilder, how can there be another Rose?" Davies said in a statement. "You’ll find out in 2023, but it’s an absolute joy to welcome Yasmin to the Doctor Who set. We all fell in love with her in Heartstopper, one of those shows which changes the world — and now Yasmin can change the Whoniverse!"
The first Rose Tyler was played by actor Billie Piper, debuting in the first episode of the series' relaunch in 2005 with actor Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor. Though Eccelston only served as the series lead for one season, Piper continued on in the series alongside actor David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor's first companion. Just who this new Rose will be remains to be seen, but Yasmin has already expressed her excitement of joining the Doctor Who family.
"If anyone would have told 8-year-old Yasmin that one day she’d be part of this iconic show, I would have never in a million years believed them," the actor said. "This show has a place in so many people’s hearts, so to be seen as a trans actress by the legend himself Russell, has not only made my year, it’s made my life. I cannot wait to begin this journey and for you all to see how Rose blossoms. Get ready."
Yasmin's casting is only the latest big news to break for Doctor Who ahead of the show's 60th anniversary in 2023. In early May 2022, it was announced that Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa will play the Fourteenth Doctor following current Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker's departure. Gatwa's casting marks a major milestone for the series, being that he will be the first Black actor to play the Doctor.
Much like "The Day of the Doctor" special episode that aired in 2013 for Doctor Who's 50th anniversary, Tennant will reprise his role as the Tenth Doctor once again for the series' 60th. Though Piper also returned in "Day of the Doctor," this time Tennant will be joined by actor Catherine Tate, who portrayed another companion of the Tenth Doctor, Donna Noble.
Doctor Who Season 14 is expected to debut in 2023.
Source: Variety