DOCTOR WHO: BBC RESPONDS TO COMPLAINTS OVER TRANSGENDER CHARACTER

Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary specials late last year saw David Tennant return to the show as the Fourteenth Doctor alongside Catherine Tate as Donna Noble.

The show also welcomes Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney as Donna's daughter Rose as well as Jacqueline King, Karl Collins and Bernard Cribbins reprising their roles within the Noble family.

Following the broadcast of the first special, The Star Beast, the BBC received 144 complains from viewers who objected to the inclusion of Finney's character, who is transgender.

Responding to the complaints, the BBC have said: "As regular viewers of Doctor Who will be aware, the show has and will always continue to proudly celebrate diversity and reflect the world we live in. We are always mindful of the content within our episodes."

Finney is due to reprise her role in the next series of Doctor Who, which is due to launch in May, alongside Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor. Further details for which will be announced in due course.

Speaking in 2022 when her casting was announced, Yasmin Finney said: "If anyone would have told 8 year old Yasmin that one day she’d be part of this iconic show, 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 is available on BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ worldwide.