London, England – Doctor Who fans were in for a historic moment on Saturday evening as the iconic Time Lord shared his first same-sex kiss on screen. This groundbreaking episode, set in the British Regency period of 1813, featured Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor teaming up with bounty hunter Rogue, played by Jonathan Groff. The characters, initially at odds with each other, had to join forces to battle the shape-shifting Chuldurs.
Throughout the episode, the Doctor and Rogue engaged in mischievous flirting and shocked guests at a Regency ball with their same-sex dancing. The culmination of their flirtation came with Rogue sacrificing himself to save the world, leaving the audience with a poignant goodbye kiss between the characters.
Fans were delighted with the on-screen chemistry between Ncuti Gatwa and Jonathan Groff, with some praising the “electric chemistry” displayed by the actors. Gatwa, the first queer actor to portray the Doctor, made history not only as a groundbreaking choice for the role but also as the first black actor to play the Time Lord for an entire series.
In a recent interview with Variety, Gatwa emphasized the importance of diversity in casting, stating that those who oppose non-traditional casting choices for the Doctor do not truly understand the essence of the show’s message of transformation and renewal.
Doctor Who, a long-running British sci-fi series, has captivated audiences worldwide since its inception in 1963. Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor marks a significant step forward in representation and inclusivity within the beloved franchise.
Created by the BBC and currently produced by Bad Wolf Productions, Doctor Who has gained a massive following over the years. Disney has acquired the streaming rights for all episodes of the show, further expanding its reach to new audiences. The inclusion of diverse actors and storylines in Doctor Who continues to redefine the boundaries of traditional sci-fi television, paving the way for more inclusive narratives in the genre.