Doctor Who gains its own heartstopper as Yasmin Finney joins cast
Yasmin Finney has joined the cast of Doctor Who playing the character of Rose and is filming scenes that are due to air in 2023 to coincide with the show’s 60th anniversary. Currently captivating audiences with her performance as Elle Argent in Heartstopper, Yasmin is receiving rave reviews across the globe.
Finney shared her excitement about joining the TV show she loved as a child… when Matt Smith was the Doctor! “If anyone would have told 8 year old Yasmin that one day she’d be part of this iconic show,” she said, “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.”
Doctor Who’s newly returned showrunner, Russell T Davies, added “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!”
A Rose by any other name, like… Lily?
Finney’s casting is presumably connected to the open casting call for “Lily” that went out earlier this year. Doctor Who’s resident casting director, Andy Pryor, posted on Twitter in March without mentioning Doctor Who by name. The team were looking for a “a young UK-based transfemme actor (young-looking 17/18 year old to play 15) of mixed black and white heritage (the character has one Black British parent and one White British parent) for a very nice guest lead role in a major BBC drama.”
The casting call described the character of “Lily,” whom we might guess was a cunning alias for our new Rose:
LILY is clever, creative and confident. That said, LILY does feel the weight of being perceived as “different”, but doesn’t let it get in her/their way. LILY is caring, thoughtful and very perceptive. An incredibly fast learner who will do anything she/they can to look after those who are important to her/them.
LILY has grown up in London in so accent can be anything from strong London to a neutral RP, or MLE (multi-cultural London English).
Finney is the latest in a series of dizzying Doctor Who casting announcement for next year’s 60th anniversary. We’ve had the unveiling of our Fourteenth Doctor Ncuti Gatwa. But also the return of David Tennant and Catherine Tate, last seen fifteen years ago marrying Shaun Temple (Karl Collins). There’s still a gargantuan eighteen months to go until the 60th Anniversary, but Russell T Davies is sure to have plenty more surprises ready to spring on us closer to the date.
