Doctor Who's Pearl Mackie has opened up about wanting to see a non-binary actor pick up the keys to the TARDIS.

Mackie starred in the show as Bill Potts during Peter Capaldi's era back in 2017, making history as the first openly gay companion on the show.

With Jodie Whittaker's final season as the Time Lord premiering later this month (October 31), there has been widespread speculation as to who the next Doctor might be.

"I would like to see both a female and a non-white doctor," Mackie weighed in, speaking to The Telegraph. "That's the thing about Doctor Who, isn't it? There's so much room for change."

doctor who pearl mackie and peter capaldi
BBC America//BBC

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She continued: "The Doctor's regenerations allow the show to move with the times. In fact, I think it would be great to have someone non-binary playing the part.

"The Doctor doesn't really identify with human constraints at all. So I feel like that could be a logical next step, wouldn't it?"

The actress explained that diverse representation in television was important to her, recalling that during her childhood, her mother used to phone her when she saw someone Black on TV.

"I really didn't see people like me on TV when I was young," she added.

pearl mackie
Getty Images

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She also said that, following her stint as Bill Potts, she heard that her character had helped some viewers to come out and be proud of their sexuality.

"That's not something you ever imagine when you decide to be an actor," she said. "That you are going to help shape someone's life, or their journey, particularly something as complicated and nuanced as coming out."

Mackie herself came out as bisexual last year, and is next due to star in ITV's detective show The Long Call. The show is also making strides in representation, as the first-ever primetime drama with a gay male lead.

pearl mackie pride post   june 2020
@therealperalmackie//Instagram

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"As a member of the [LGBTQ+] community myself, it's so important that we see these stories that don't just focus on sexuality and relationships, but the rest of a character's life," she explained.

Doctor Who airs on BBC One in the UK. In the US, the show airs on BBC America, with series 1-12 available on HBO Max. Doctor Who: Flux (aka series 13) will premiere on October 31.

For more information on Doctor Who: Time Fracture, head this way – tickets are also available via retailers including LOVEtheatre, London Theatre Direct, Fever and Ticketmaster.

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