DOCTOR Who and Torchwood actor John Barrowman has called on show bosses to "make another leap" and plump for an LGBTQ+ actor for the iconic Time Lord role.

The actor, 53, plays Captain Jack Harkness in the BBC series and has urged the programme to again to set the trend, after it installed the first female Doctor in the form of Jodie Whittaker.

Speaking on her replacement, after the actress playing the 13th Doctor appeared to confirm she would be leaving the show following three series, I'm A Celeb star John revealed his desire for the time-travelling drama to set the tone.

He told Metro.co.uk: "I’d love to see a transgender Doctor. I think that would be awesome."

John added: “We have had LGBTQ+ representation on the TARDIS.

"During Peter Capaldi’s reign, we had a character who was a lesbian. So yeah, we’ve had them, why not have a Doctor the same?"

He then mused an "androgynous, gender non-specific person" would represent an appropriate and diverse choice for the Doctor Who role.

John, who has been particularly vocal on Jodie's replacement, previously called for It's A Sin star Olly Alexander to scoop the coveted telly role.

Speaking about the rumours on Lorraine, John – who played Captain Jack Harkness on the sci-fi show – said Olly would be "amazing".

He said: "Olly would be amazing. He's quirky, he's fun. He's a lovely actor, and I think he would make a wonderful Doctor.

"It would be fabulous!"

John isn't the only Doctor Who alumni to suggest Olly – as It's A Sin showrunner Russell T Davies also said in an interview with SFX that he would be "marvellous".

Meanwhile, actress Whoopi Goldberg has admitted she's already contacted show bosses about becoming the next Doctor Who – which would see her as the first American Doctor.

Other names in the frame also include Kris Marshall and Michaela Coel.

The flurry of speculation comes after rumours Jodie is reportedly moving on from playing the Time Lord.

The 38-year-old actress became the first female star to take on the role of the famous character back in 2017.

But she will reportedly leave after the next series – maintaining the tradition of the Doctor regenerating after three stints in the TARDIS.

The BBC has refused to make any statements about Jodie's tenure on Doctor Who and told Digital Spy: "We won't be commenting on any speculation around Jodie's future on the show."

The Mirror reported earlier this month that Jodie is keen to take on new roles, with producers preparing for the next regeneration.

An insider told the publication: "It’s all very hush-hush but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration.

"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."

Filming for the next series of Doctor Who is expected to finish this summer, ready to air in the Autumn.

 

 

 

 

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