Bill Potts Is Gay

Actress Pearl Mackie has revealed that the Doctor's newest companion, Bill Potts, is a lesbian. She joins a history of LBGT+ characters on the show, including Jack, River, Ianto, and if certain fan theories are to be believed, the Doctor and Clara. She is, however, the first full-time companion who is gay.

It shouldn't be a big deal in the 21st Century. It's about time isn't it? That representation is important, especially on a mainstream show. It's important to say people are gay, people are black - there are also aliens in the world as well so watch out for them. I remember watching TV as a young mixed race girl not seeing many people who looked like me, so I think being able to visually recognise yourself on screen is important. [Being gay] is not the main thing that defines her character - it's something that's part of her and something that she's very happy and very comfortable with.