Huge reality star joins Doctor Who in history-making cast shake-up
DOCTOR Who is set to make history with its latest cast announcement that sees a reality TV star joining the upcoming programme of the show.
The iconic sci-fi series will welcome a legend of the drag world to the BBC programme in an exciting show-first.
Two-time RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon, real name Jerick Hoffer, will undertake a huge role as part of the programme's next season.
Legendary showrunner Russell T. Davies, who has returned to the programme after a number of years away, teased that the show will 'never be the same again' following Jinkx's arrival.
Russell said: “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!”
Jinkx expressed her excitement and delight to be taking on the role having risen to fame as part of RuPaul's iconic competition series.
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The drag queen said: “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.”
Jinkx's casting comes off the back of her making her Broadway debut by playing Matron ‘Mama’ Morton in New York's longest running musical Chicago.
Her highly-anticipated debut marked the first time a drag queen had ever appeared in the coveted role with her run smashing box office records over her eight week stint.
The performer will make her debut in the BBC series when it arrives over the festive period later this year.
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Ahead of her debut, show legend David Tennant will be reprising his role as the Doctor for a three-episode stint this November to coincide with the show's sixtieth anniversary.
David, 51, formed one of the best-loved pairings on the programme with Catherine, 54, as Donna Noble from 2006 to 2010, who will also be back for the series of specials.
The doctor ended up wiping her memory saying that if she ever remembers what they’ve experienced she would die — a plot twist which will prove critical when they’re reunited.
After that, Ncuti Gatwa will make his debut on the show as the fifteenth Time Lord alongside his companion Millie Gibson.
Millie, who played Kelly Neelan in ITV soap Corrie, told Children In Need presenters Mel Giedroyc and Jason Manford at the time of her cast announcement: "It's insane. I'm so honoured that I was considered for an audition.
"I just hope I can make you all happy and fill the boots of the other companions."
Doctor Who will premiere exclusively on the BBC for the UK and Ireland.