Yasmin Finney Confirms Upcoming Doctor Who Companion Rose Is Transgender
Recently cast Doctor Who actress Yasmin Finney has confirmed that her character in the long-running British sci-fi show’s 14th series will be, like herself, a transgender woman.
RELATED: Doctor Who Casts Transgender Actor To Play Character Named Rose
Finney revealed her character’s transgender identity during a recent appearance at the July 9th London Trans+ Pride event in the eponymous English capital.
Addressing a crowd of attendees, as seen in a video shared by Pink News, Finney began, “I love this so much.”
“This is my first London Trans Pride ever,” she explained. “I feel so connected to my community more than ever and if the government is trying to eradicate us, like, we’re all here and we’re just duplicating Look at how many of us there are. Like, hello, [outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Bye!”
"I love this so much. This is my first London Trans Pride: I feel so connected to my community more than ever. If the government is trying to eradicate us, we're all here and we're just duplicating." – #heartstopper's incredible Yasmin Finney (@yazdemand) at #LondonTransPride 😍 pic.twitter.com/c5vVTikKu7
— PinkNews (@PinkNews) July 9, 2022
The actress then asked those listening, “How many of you have seen Heartstopper?”
Receiving cheers back from those who had seen the show, Finney continued, “That’s good. I was casted as Elle. For those of you that haven’t seen, she’s a black trans girl, she’s just moved to an all-girls school, and she’s trying to navigate the world and a society that’s trying to eradicate her.”
RELATED: BBC Launches New “Very Gay, Very Trans” Doctor Who Audio Drama Podcast
“Having this representation on-screen has made me realize how impactful it is,” she continued. “I want to thank you all so much for being here. And I hope that – well, of course the industry is changing because I’m here.”
Turning to the topic of her upcoming role as Rose in veteran series writer Russel T. Davies’ return to the world of the Tardis, Finney then inquired, “And how many of you have seen Doctor Who?”
Met with yet another uproar of applause, this time unsurprisingly louder given the series’ massive popularity, Finney declared, “Yeah, that’s also a moment and that is another show where my character is Trans.”
“So, Boris, I hope you see Heartstopper,” concluded the actress. “I hope you see Dr Who, because I exist and I know you know I exist. We all exist. And we’re not going anywhere. We’re not going anywhere.”
As of writing, it is unclear if Finney’s character will share any relation to the character of the same name first portrayed by Billie Piper in the series’ 2005 revival.
Previously, upon her official announcement as one of the next Doctor’s companions, Finney excitedly said of her casting, “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.”
“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,” Finney added. “I cannot wait to begin this journey and for you all to see how Rose blossoms. Get Ready.”
Davies, who spoke to the BBC alongside Finney, teased, “Life on Doctor Who gets brighter and wilder, how can there be another Rose?”
“You’ll find out in 2023, but it’s an absolute joy to welcome Yasmin to the Doctor Who set,” the returning showrunner said. “We all fell in love with her in Heartstoppers, one of those shows which changes the world – and now Yasmin can change the Whoniverse!”
What do you make of Finney’s confirmation that her character, Rose, will be transgender? Let us know your thoughts on social media or in the comments down below!
NEXT: Russell T. Davies Cannot Redeem Doctor Who
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