Pearl Mackie wants next Doctor Who star to be non-binary

Former Doctor Who star Pearl Mackie wants the next person to play the show's titular Time Lord to be non-binary.

Mackie appeared in the show as Bill Potts during Peter Capaldi's stint as the Doctor back in 2017, making history as the first openly gay companion.

Since her time on the show, producers cast Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor, and with her final season on the BBC show premiering later this month, Pearl thinks it's time to break even more new ground.

"I would like to see both a female and a non-white doctor," the 34-year-old told The Telegraph. "That's the thing about Doctor Who, isn't it? There's so much room for change.

"The Doctor's regenerations allow the show to move with the times. In fact, I think it would be great to have someone non-binary playing the part,” she continued.

"The Doctor doesn't really identify with human constraints at all. So, I feel like that could be a logical next step, wouldn't it?"

Although some fans were initially sceptical about Whittaker's casting, she has received positive reviews for her performance as the 13th iteration of a character that had previously been male throughout each regeneration.

In her interview, Pearl also explained why as a bisexual Black woman, she thinks representation of all communities is important in television.

"I really didn't see people like me on TV when I was young," the actress noted, adding that it had been heartening that her appearance as Bill had helped some young fans be open and proud of their own sexuality.

"That's not something you ever imagine when you decide to be an actor. That you are going to help shape someone's life, or their journey, particularly something as complicated and nuanced as coming out."