Heartstopper Breakout Yasmin Finney Joins Doctor Who

Yasmin Finney, known for her breakout role in the Netflix's LGBTQ+ teen series Heartstopper, is joining the cast of BBC's Doctor Who. Finney will play Rose, the Doctor's longtime companion.

Showrunner Russell T. Davies announced the casting on Monday saying, "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!”

Finney is one of the first transgender actors to appear in Doctor Who. She's set to star opposite Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education), the first black Doctor in the series' history.

“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 said in a statement. "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."

The new season of Doctor Who premieres in 2023 to coincide with the BBC series' 60th anniversary.

Kirstie Renae is a writer, blogger, and Austin-based actress with a penchant for binge-watching TV with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter @KirstieRenae.