Jinkx Monsoon, the two-time winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race and award-winning actor, has been announced as the next star to join the cast of Doctor Who’s newest series.
Monsoon discussed her casting by stating: “I’m honoured, thrilled, and utterly excited to join Doctor Who! Russell T Davies is a visionary and a brilliant writer— I can’t wait to get into the weeds with him and the crew! I hope there’s room in the TARDIS for my luggage.”
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies also expressed his excitement, saying: “In a galaxy of comets and supernovas, here comes the biggest star of all. Jinkx Monsoon is on a collision course with the TARDIS, and Doctor Who will never be the same again!” Monsoon has had an incredibly successful career in theatres and on screen, with their Doctor Who debut coming after a Broadway run as Matron “Mama” Morton in the musical Chicago. Monsoon became the first drag queen to play the role and has broken box office records across her run.
The new series of Doctor Who is set to hit screens this winter (November, to be precise), with a three-part special featuring franchise favourite David Tennant to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary. Tennant will be taking the reins as the Fourteenth Doctor, and fans will see the return of Catherine Tate as beloved companion, Donna Noble, and the introduction of Yasmin Finney to Doctor Who. Neil Patrick Harris is set to star as a currently unnamed antagonist and the context of Tennant’s return is being kept tightly under wraps.
After Tennant’s return, Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa is set to take over as the Fifteenth Doctor. According to the promotional teaser, Gatwa may also appear in the 60th-anniversary special. When the Fifteenth Doctor’s series begins, Gatwa will be joined by a new companion, played by Millie Gibson.
It is unclear how the backing of Disney+ and the return of Russel T Davies will change the show from Chris Chibnall’s era. Still, with the announcement of Jinkx Monsoon’s casting, fans can expect a welcome continuation of the kinds of fun characters that are synonymous with both Monsoon and Doctor Who.
Words by Jess Parker
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