Peter Capaldi’s last Doctor Who series began on Saturday, but all viewers wanted to talk about was the Time Lord’s new companion.
She is Bill Potts and is played by Pearl Mackie, who takes over from Jenna Coleman as the sidekick to the Doctor.
Her role has made headlines in recent weeks as it marks the first time the show has clearly defined a character’s same-sex sexuality.
Reaction to the new companion was overwhelmingly positive on social media, from the first scene through to the end of the episode.
It's been less than 10 minutes and I already love Bill. @Pearlie_mack ???????? #doctorwho
— Megan (@MeganMinogue) April 15, 2017
#DoctorWho I'm so in love with Bill, shes so amazing and relatable. ??
— Jess (@erosholmes) April 15, 2017
Those watching the BBC One programme also voiced their approval at showrunner Steven Moffat, who will bow out after series 10 along with Peter, writing in a gay character.
handling a gay woman respectfully? what is this? is it real? i'm in shock #DoctorWho
— tanya-louise (@tatianalexandre) April 15, 2017
there's literally tears streaming down my face over this gay representation right now #DoctorWho
— pop (@poppynao) April 15, 2017
#DoctorWho Excellent first episode of the new series.
Pearl Mackie's Bill adding a welcome new dimension to a format that was growing tired.— Ghostinthehost (@Ghostinthehost) April 15, 2017
Viewers enjoyed Bill’s reaction to seeing the Tardis for the first time and remarking on it being bigger inside than outside.
One of the things that always excites me with a new companion is to see their reaction to the TARDIS and Bill just won life #DoctorWho
— ? a (@AlicePleasanceL) April 15, 2017
The episode, which also saw Matt Lucas’s character Nardole return, won approval in general.
Oh my God, I am adoring the new #DoctorWho episode. And I'm loving Bill. And, Nardole is much better now.
— The Last Jedi (@thewhoovesian) April 15, 2017
#DoctorWho is so so so amazingly incredibly unbelievably fantastic!!!!!!!! Bill is perfect ?? The Doctor spot on ??
— Lesley Mitton (@elmitt1) April 15, 2017
LGBT characters have featured in the popular series before, including John Barrowman’s Captain Jack and River Song, but Bill will be the programme’s first openly gay permanent companion.A trailer for next week’s episode showed that John Simm would make his return as the Time Lord’s arch-nemesis The Master.Pearl and Steven spoke about the show’s return in an interview for the YouTube companion show produced by BBC Worldwide, Doctor Who: The Fan Show.
The new companion actress said that her casting was important to show diversity to audiences.She said: “I think it’s crucial to have that kind of representation in mainstream TV, on shows that are aimed at children as well as adults.“I think it’s important for younger children to see someone like them or who may be experiencing similar feelings to them on TV, so they can see themselves within it.”
But Pearl added that actors could not be expected to represent minorities in their entirety.She said: “I’m just here to play one character. My job is to play Bill, as truthfully as I can in all situations.“And to think that I am representing all ethnic minorities or all gay people in the world is ridiculous. I don’t think I should be expected to do that.”
