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Doctor Who s11 has show's first ever writers of colour

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

From Digital Spy

For a show that's all about embracing difference and taking joy in life in all its forms, Doctor Who doesn't have a great track record when it comes to hiring writers who aren't white dudes.

But new series boss Chris Chibnall has revealed that's about to change, with the next series featuring scripts by writers of colour – the first instance of this happening ever in the show's 55-year history.

"We have the first writers of colour to write on Doctor Who this year – and we have two female writers and three male writers in the guest writers' slots," Chibnall confirmed to Digital Spy and other media in a press conference at San Diego Comic-Con.

Related: Doctor Who series 11 composer has been revealed

With the new series bringing us the show's first female Doctor in the form of Jodie Whittaker, as well as companions of three different ethnicities, executive producer Matt Strevens explained that "Chris and I, and the production team, wanted to make sure that we are as diverse behind the camera".

To that end, the 10-part series will feature an equal female / male director split, according to Chibnall, while all of series 11's editors, bar one, are also female.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Related: No Daleks in Doctor Who series 11? Jodie Whittaker and friends will face "new monsters"

"It was a big priority for us," Strevens said, with Chibnall adding that Doctor Who is also working with a trainee scheme in Cardiff offering opportunities to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"We're doing lots, but our plan across time is to do lots more," said the showrunner.

"It should be the most inclusive show on television. The whole concept of Doctor Who is that anybody can go anywhere and do anything, and we want to reflect that on-screen and off."

Doctor Who will return to BBC One this autumn. Stay tuned to Digital Spy for more news direct from Comic-Con International in San Diego.


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