Trans actress Bethany Black lands role in Doctor Who

Transgender actress Bethany Black has landed a role in sci-fi series Doctor Who.

The actress, who broke into the mainstream earlier this year through her role on Cucumber and Banana, revealed she would be in an upcoming episode of the iconic BBC series Doctor Who.

She announced the news on Facebook, sharing a photo with the TARDIS and writing: “So… Yeah… I got cast in Doctor Who.”

Black will appear in episode 9 of the BBC series, which is set to return next month – meaning her appearance is likely to air on November 14.

She added: “Trying to keep this secret has been the most difficult thing in the world.

“Now to sit back and wait until The Mail realises the BBC have cast an openly trans lesbian in a family show…”

Details of the episode are yet to be confirmed – but it is written by Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss and directed by Justin Molotnikov.

Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman are both returning for the upcoming series as the Doctor and Clara – while Michelle Gomez is set to return earlier in the run as iconic gender-flipped villain Missy.

Reece Shearsmith of the League of Gentlemen will also appear with Black in episode nine.

Mark Gatiss, writer of the episode, adds: “I’m delighted to be writing again for Peter and Jenna’s brilliant TARDIS team and very excited about this particular story. It’s been brewing in the dark recesses of my mind for a while now!

“I’m also chuffed to bits to finally welcome my old friend Reece Shearsmith onto the show. He’s been badgering me for ten years!”

• Nov 29 2023

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