The Doctor Who showrunner has strong words to anyone who hates the idea of showing the reality of trans people and their families on TV.
Russell T Davies returned to the helm of the beloved sci-fi show last year, with his first episodes coming in the form of three Doctor Who 60th anniversary adventures with David Tennant and Catherine Tate.
Heartstopper fans were ecstatic to learn the brilliant Yasmin Finney was coming on board the Tardis for the anniversary, playing the daughter of Donna Noble.
It was confirmed that the character of Rose, like Yasmin herself, would be trans, with the actress describing her as someone with a ‘great supportive family.’
There are just days to go before the public is introduced to Rose, and at a recent press event ahead of first special episode The Star Beast airing, Russell addressed anyone who might be ‘full of absolute hate’ for the character and storyline.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk and other press, Russell was asked about the inclusion of a trans character and actor, and the Queer as Folk and It’s A Sin creator spoke proudly of the decision.
‘It’s something that’s not just a Doctor Who thing for me,’ he explained.
‘It’s something I and a lot of other writers are keen to do – to be progressive, to reflect more of society.
‘It’s funny, in casting Yasmin there was this 15-year-old mixed-race [trans girl] – there are very few people who fit the casting and it’s like she came down from Heaven and there she was.’
Revealing she was cast before she ever appeared in Heartstopper, Russell said Yasmin does ‘the most amazing job and it’s an actual privilege to work with her and get her on screen.’
He added pointedly that he knew there were some people ‘full of absolute hate, and venom, and destruction and violence who would like to see that sort of thing wiped off the screen entirely.’
