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The Doctor will travel with the first openly gay companion in the new series of Doctor Who

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Doctor Who Spoilers / Flickr

The latest in the long line of Doctor Who companions isn't likely to be a love-interest for the Time Lord. Pearl Mackie, who will play the new companion Bill Potts, has just confirmed her character will be openly gay.

According to the BBC, Potts' sexuality will be revealed pretty much immediately in the show when it returns on April 15th.

Potts told the BBC it was "about time" an openly gay character was involved in the show, because representation is important.

"It's important to say people are gay, people are black," she told the BBC. "I remember watching TV as a young mixed race girl not seeing many people who looked like me, so I think being able to visually recognise yourself on screen is important."

She added that being gay doesn't define her character — she is just very happy and comfortable.

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"Yeah, Bill's gay. It shouldn't be a big deal in the 21st Century. It's about time isn't it?" - #PearlMackie, who will play Bill Potts ! pic.twitter.com/Xf3HolRwyT

There have been gay and bisexual characters in the show before, such as Captain Jack Harkness played by John Barrowman. His spin-off show Torchwood was more prominently known for its LGBTQ storylines and main characters.

The new series of Doctor Who will be Peter Capaldi's last, hanging up his sonic screwdriver after four years in the role. He will be handing over the TARDIS keys during the Christmas special this year. As for who's going to replace him, there has been some speculation.

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