Doctor Who's Steven Moffat to tackle whitewashing in new episode

Doctor Who will tackle issues of whitewashing and race in the next episode of the series.

Showrunner Steven Moffat said he has ‘bent history’ to address the issue in Thin Ice which will see The Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and his companion Bill (Pearl Mackie) arrive in early 1800s London.

“History is always whitewashed,” Moffat told TV Guide. “How do we manage to have a diverse cast despite that? The way that we did it was... [to just] say that you will see people of different colours there. In fact, there were.

“People all didn't arrive in the twinkle of an eye. It is bending history slightly, but in a progressive and useful way.”

He continued: “Also, it wouldn't be a pleasant place for [Bill] in several respects. Taking that on is just respectful of the audience really. It's a chance to – I'm always reluctant to sound so pious and so do-gooding and all of that.

“It's useful that these things are talked about. The evil in Doctor Who can sometimes be the evil in our real world, too.”

The current series has also tackled sexuality with the introduction of Bill – the first openly gay companion the Doctor has ever had.

Speaking about the role Mackie said a character’s sexuality should not be seen as a major plot.

“It’s about time isn’t it?” she told the BBC. “That representation is important, especially on a mainstream show.

“It’s important to say people are gay, people are black - there are also aliens in the world as well so watch out for them.

“[Being gay] is not the main thing that defines her character - it’s something that’s part of her and something that she’s very happy and very comfortable with.”

Doctor Who is on BBC One on Saturday at 7.20pm.