The upcoming "Doctor Who" spin-off, "Class" will feature an LGBT character in a lead role. The news was revealed by the show's writer Patrick Ness in light of last weekend's massacre at gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida.
Ness, an award-winning novelist for young adult books, was previously secretive about "Class" details. The openly gay writer revealed the spin-off's recent news via Twitter after attending a vigil for Orlando victims on Monday afternoon. The event was held in Cardiff, Wales, where "Class" is currently filming, Entertainment Weekly reported.
Been asked if Class will have LGBT representation in it. Will a lead character with a boyfriend who he kisses & sleeps with & loves do?
— Patrick Ness (@Patrick_Ness) June 13, 2016
We were keeping that secret, but today that secret doesn't seem very important. #lovewins — Patrick Ness (@Patrick_Ness) June 13, 2016
'Class' Details And Cast
"Class," which will premiere on BBC America this fall, will be headlined by Katherine Kelly of "Mr. Selfridge" fame as Coal Hill School's mysterious teacher Miss Quill. Kelly will be joined by newcomers Greg Austin, Fady Elsayed, Sophie Hopkins and Vivian Oparah, students who will fight villains and aliens focused on dominating Earth. Anna Shaffer, who appeared in the final three "Harry Potter" installments, is also confirmed to star on "Class" as Rachel, Express.co.uk wrote.
There's way more than one character on the show, of course; lots of stories to be told. WITH ALIENS & TERROR & EMOTIONS & STUFF!!!
— Patrick Ness (@Patrick_Ness) June 13, 2016
So I can't wait for you to meet the characters of Class, all of em, all their sorrows & joys & goofiness & loves & losses. Roll on Autumn... — Patrick Ness (@Patrick_Ness) June 13, 2016
Coal Hill School has been a prominent fixture throughout the "Doctor Who" universe since it first aired in 1963. The recent companion of Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor, Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), was a teacher at the school. Ness, however, was quick to confirm that Coleman's character will not appear on "Class," according to a separate report from Entertainment Weekly.
'Class' Takes After The Adrenaline Of Popular YA Material
"Class" is an eight-part series and will display the same "action, heart and adrenaline" of popular YA fiction materials like "Hunger Games" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," The Guardian reported. Coal Hill School's consistent involvement in time travel has somehow softened the Earth's barriers against time and space. That predicament will be the sole focus of the characters - aside from the usual teenage woes like love, friends, school and parents.
"Doctor Who" showrunner and "Class" executive producer Steven Moffat described the spinoff as "dark and sexy," Entertainment Weekly further reported. Moffat also believes that Ness is capable of delivering "Class" as the British version of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
This is not the first "Doctor Who" spinoff series. "Class" comes on the heels of the 2006 spinoff "Torchwood," which featured a gay character named Captain Jack Harkness, and 2007's "The Sarah Jane Adventures."
"Doctor Who" is also pushing for a more diverse cast. After Coleman left her role in the series, black actress Pearl Mackie has stepped in as the Doctor's new companion.
