“To be seen as a trans actress by the legend himself Russell, has not only made my year, it’s made my life”
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY NETFLIX
Since Heartstopper came to our screens in April, Yasmin Finney quickly became a fan favourite for her portrayal of Elle Argent. Last night (16 May), Whovians and Heartstopper fans alike rejoiced at the news that Yasmin will be joining the cast of Doctor Who in 2023. This news follows the announcement that Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa will be stepping into the role of the 14th Doctor.
Yasmin will be stepping into the role of Rose for Russel T Davies’ 14th season. “…Rose! Another Rose? But how? Who? Why? Where? What, what, what?!…” Russel wrote on Instagram when sharing the casting news.
“If anyone would have told eight-year-old Yasmin that one day she’d be part of this iconic show, I would have never in a million years believed them,” said Finney. “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.”
Heartstopper’s writer and creator, Alice Oseman, shared their excitement over the news.
YASMIN FINNEY IN DOCTOR WHO!!!!!!!!! simply ecstatic about this 😭 https://t.co/3XgLGYhAwE
— Alice Oseman Updates (@AliceOseman) May 16, 2022
The show has queer representation in its history. Bethany Black was the first openly transgender person to be cast when she took on the role of 474 back in 2015. Rebecca Root also became the first transgender actor to portray a companion when she took on the role of Tiana Bell in the audio series Stranded. And of course, bicon Pearl Mackie portrayed the Doctor’s first openly gay companion as Bill Potts. In this year’s Easter special, titled Legend Of The Sea Devils, the show confirmed that Yaz’s feelings for the Time Lord were reciprocated. In April, Whovians were also introduced to the BBC Sounds spin-off show titled Doctor Who: Redacted which was penned by trans author Juno Dawson and starred trans activist Charlie Craggs. As Yasmin Finney said in our May issue interview: “It’s really happening. 2022 is the year of the queer. We’re taking over, it’s really exciting.”
What do fans have to say about the latest news?
Imagine being in Heartstopper and Doctor Who. WHAT a year for @Yazdemand. I first met Yasmin last year and I am in awe of her talent, drive and focus. She’s a STAR. https://t.co/dbATaxcffo
— Juno Dawson (@junodawson) May 16, 2022
🚨 Ncuti Gatwa and Yasmin Finney in FEBRUARY 🚨
— Safe Space Who (@SafeSpaceDrWho) May 16, 2022
I am clowning #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/xbZBzJ9Ar4
regardless of whoever yasmin finney plays having transgender representation in doctor who on screen on the main tv show sunday nights prime time slot is actually so fucking monumental i can’t begin to comprehend… i am so fucking excited it’s so long overdue
— alicia (@whouffaldi) May 16, 2022
#Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney is joining #DoctorWho! ❤️🏳️⚧️
— David Opie (@DavidOpie) May 16, 2022
My skin? Clear.
My debts? Paid.
My heart? Stopped. pic.twitter.com/A3fHQJrdpT
have fun heartstopper & sex ed stans starting doctor who😀👍 pic.twitter.com/NtjIb4KHZD
— char 🍂 TENDONNA??? (@blystardis) May 16, 2022
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