BBC Stands Firm On Ncuti Gatwa And Jonathan Groff’s “Doctor Who” Kiss
According to a report by Deadline, the BBC has dismissed viewer complaints about a Doctor Who episode featuring a historic same-sex kiss between cast members Ncuti Gatwa and Jonathan Groff. The broadcaster’s stance sends a powerful message about its commitment to inclusive storytelling.
Despite complaints from two viewers who took issue with the “inappropriate sexual innuendo” and the speed of the characters’ connection, the BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) stood firm. They ruled that the innuendo was mild and suitable for the show’s young audience, emphasising that the relationship’s development was crucial to the fast-paced plot and unlikely to influence real-life relationship perceptions.
The episode, set in the British Regency period of 1813 and aired on 8 June, made history by featuring the first explicitly romantic same-sex kiss on Doctor Who. This groundbreaking moment marks a significant step forward in the show’s long history, as it is the first time the Doctor has been portrayed as having a romantic interest in someone of the same gender.
Season 14 of Doctor Who was written by Russell T Davies, a pioneer in LGBTQIA+ storytelling known for his work on Queer As Folk and It’s a Sin. Davies’ influence on the show’s direction highlights the importance of having diverse voices behind the scenes to drive progressive change in the media landscape.
Fans can look forward to season 15, likely airing in May 2025, with filming already wrapped. Before then, the traditional Christmas special will tide viewers over, potentially revealing the premiere date for the new season, just as it did last year.
