"Doctor Who" producer Steven Moffat and the actor who plays the titular role are now gearing towards the final season of the long-running sci-fi television. Peter Capaldi's new companion is a colored woman and gay character named Bill Potts played by Pearl Mackie.

According to Syfy Wire, mixed reactions were received for the casting of the gay character. The news of the queer cast was carried in various tabloids. For the LGBT community, it is a big step towards gay representation in shows and films.

Pink News reported that Mackie's character was revealed last month during a BBC exclusive interview with Mackie. Moffat claimed that it was not planned beforehand. They are not making the announcement as a publicity or press release for the upcoming season. He revealed that the actor herself revealed it in an interview.

He added that the character is not blatantly fused; no romance whatsoever was intended for the gay character and the previous companions. It is not a major or minor plot part, says Moffat. The part is just there, she is not a "gay companion" but she is Bill Potts. The character just comes up if needed.

There have been recurring gays in the past like River Song (Alex Kingston) and Captain Jack Harness (John Barrowman) who are omnisexual. Madam Vastra and Jenny (both played by Neve McIntosh and Catrin Stewart) are married lesbians crimefighters.

The show producer also said to they are not expecting applause or recognition for including a gay character but they just want them represented on television. Their show is a children's show and they do not want to scare the children away from the show because of a gay character. "Doctor Who" series 10 will air on April 15, 2017. The series is composed of 12 episodes.