Transgender Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney joins Doctor Who as new Rose
Yasmin Finney has joined the cast of Doctor Who, seemingly stepping into Billie Piper’s shoes as the character Rose.
The actress, who recently appeared in the acclaimed gay rom-com Heartstopper, is filming scenes due to air in 2023 for the show’s 60th anniversary.
The confirmation that she will play Rose, the character made famous by Billie Piper, comes a day after it was revealed that David Tennant and Catherine Tate are due to reprise their fan favourite roles as the Tenth Doctor and Donna Noble.
The 60th anniversary celebration will also mark the debut of Sex Education‘s Ncuti Gatwa as the Fourteenth Doctor, following Jodie Whittaker’s exit later this year along with current showrunner Chris Chibnall.
Returning showrunner Russell T Davies 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.
“We all fell in love with her in Heartstopper, one of those shows which changes the world – and now Yasmin can change the Whoniverse!”
It is not yet clear if Billie Piper herself will return as Rose, with fans speculating that the special could lean into a multiverse plot with alternate versions of characters.
Finney, 18, said in a press release: “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. I cannot wait to begin this journey and for you all to see how Rose blossoms. Get Ready.”
