Doctor Who’s Mandip Gill says bosses are ‘open’ to casting a ‘woman of colour’ as next Time Lord

Doctor Who’s Mandip Gill says bosses are ‘open’ to casting a ‘woman of colour’ as the Time Lord amid claims Jodie Whittaker has ‘quit’ the role

Doctor Who star Mandip Gill has revealed bosses are ‘open’ to casting a ‘woman of colour’ as the next Time Lord.

The actress, who plays Yasmin Khan in the sci-fi series, said that ‘there’s definitely room for change,’ when it comes to diversifying the show’s cast, following reports that Jodie Whittaker has quit the role after four years in the TARDIS.

It comes after Who was universally praised by fans for introducing its first ever black Doctor, played by Jo Martin in a shocking twist that saw the time traveller learn of numerous incarnations from her past.

‘Soon’: Doctor Who star Mandip Gill has revealed bosses are ‘open’ to casting an actress of colour as the next Time Lord

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Mandip said she could see another black actor taking on the famous role, as bosses are yet to confirm rumours that Jodie will leave the show later this year.

She said: ‘I think there’s a long way to go but there’s definitely room for change. And actually, I think at the BBC and at Doctor Who they are very open and forward-thinking, so yes.’ 

Mandip joined the cast as Yaz alongside Jodie’s Doctor in 2018, and will appear alongside John Bishop when he joins the series as the new companion Dan later this year. 

Changes:u00A0The actress, who plays Yaz in the sci-fi series, said that 'there's definitely room for change,' when it comes to diversifying the show's cast

Changes: The actress, who plays Yaz in the sci-fi series, said that ‘there’s definitely room for change,’ when it comes to diversifying the show’s cast

In January, the BBC refused to comment on speculation of Jodie leaving her role after series 13, which is currently filming.

Doctor Who fans have since called for Jo Martin’s iteration of the character to become the 14th Time Lord.

The Holby City star’s character appeared in two episodes of the show’s 12th season alongside Jodie as an unknown Doctor, and viewers claimed this meant she would be an ‘obvious’ successor for the part.

TARDIS traveller:u00A0Mandip joined the cast as Yaz alongside Jodie's Doctor in 2018 (pictured with Bradley Walsh's Graham and Tosin Cole's Ryan in 2020)

TARDIS traveller: Mandip joined the cast as Yaz alongside Jodie’s Doctor in 2018 (pictured with Bradley Walsh’s Graham and Tosin Cole’s Ryan in 2020)

Michaela Coel and Richard Ayoade have also emerged as the bookies’ favourites to replace the thespian, while Sister Act’s Whoopi Goldberg recently admitted she’s set her sights on stepping into the TARDIS as the next Doctor.

Following reports by The Mirror about Jodie’s departure, a BBC spokesman told Digital Spy: ‘We won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show.’

Jodie reportedly told BBC bosses that she won’t be returning to the popular series following the conclusion of the upcoming series 13.

That will mark a three-year run for the actress, which is about average for recent actors playing the time-travelling alien.

Matt Smith, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi also appeared on Doctor Who for three series each, while Christopher Eccleston only appeared on one series after the show was revived in 2005.

According to a source for The Mirror, the show is already at work on figuring out how Whittaker will be replaced by the 14th Doctor.

‘It’s all very hush-hush but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration,’ a source said.

‘Her departure is top secret but at some point over the coming months the arrival of the 14th Doctor will need to be filmed. It’s very exciting.’

Taking over? Jo Martin made history as Who's first ever black Doctor in 2020, and fans have called for her to take over from Jodie after she has reportedly 'quit' the show

Taking over? Jo Martin made history as Who’s first ever black Doctor in 2020, and fans have called for her to take over from Jodie after she has reportedly ‘quit’ the show