Upcoming Doctor Who spin-off show 'Class' will be featuring a gay lead character. The news has come from show producers, who were planning on keeping the characters sexuality a non-issue until the show aired, but have chosen to make the announcement following the Orlando shooting.
Author Patrick Ness, who is helming the upcoming series, has described the series, which will feature teenage students at Coal Hill School, as a British take on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', and like Buffy will feature an LGBT+ character amongst its main cast.
Ness has tweeted, 'Been asked if Class will have LGBT representation in it. Will a lead character with a boyfriend who he kisses and sleeps with and loves do? We were keeping that secret, but today that secret doesn't seem very important. #LoveWins'.
'Kind of astounded that having a gay lead on Class has been such big news.' Ness added. 'One day it won't be, one day soon. Because it's not a big deal. One way to change the world is to act as if it's already changed. That's how I roll, that's how Class rolls.
'Class has five leads. There are lots and lots of stories to tell, lots of room for everyone, lot of heartache to spread around democratically. Because I am nothing if not an even-handed stomper of hearts, no?
'Except of course it is a big deal, I know; 15 year old me never got to see himself; that won't happen again, not on my watch.'
The Doctor Who universe is not a stranger to featuring LGBT+ characters in prominent positions, such as Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, and an inter species lesbian marriage. The Doctor Who spin-off series 'The Sarah Jane Adventures' was due to feature a story that would have revealed that Sarah Jane's son Luke was gay. Sadly this story never came to pass as the series was cut short following the sudden and tragic death of Elizabeth Sladen.
'Class' will air on BBC Three Online and BBC One later this year.
Amy.
xx
No comments:
Post a Comment