Heartstopper actress Yasmin Finney has joined the cast of Doctor Who playing a character named Rose.
18-year-old Finney received rave reviews across the globe for her captivating performance as Elle Argent in Heartstopper.
“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,” Finney stated in a official press release. “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.”
“Life on Doctor Who gets brighter and wilder,” showrunner Russell T Davies added. “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!”
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Casting director Andy Pryor put out an open casting call in early March for a mixed race (black and white) British heritage transfemme teen actor to play a character called “Lily” for an unidentified BBC drama. Doctor Who fans were right on top of it.
This could easily be for another BBC drama but possibly for Doctor Who. In any case, it’s a fantastic opportunity. Lily may not be the actual final name of the character but note the lovely flower name akin to Rose. 🌹https://t.co/cTbMHQwtUp
— Doctor Who Production News (@DoctorWhoPN) March 7, 2022
Who is Rose? There is a rumour that Rose is the daughter of Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) and her husband Shaun Temple (Karl Collins). If true, her name is possibly a subconscious tribute to former ninth and tenth Doctor companion Rose Tyler, though Donna’s memory of Rose Tyler would have been wiped along with her memories of her time with the Doctor.
Catherine Tate, David Tennant and Bernard Cribbins (who plays Donna’s grandfather Wilfred Mott) were spotted filming Doctor Who in Camden on May 16.
Yasmin Finney is currently filming scenes which are due to air in 2023 to coincide with the Doctor Who 60th anniversary.