Gill: Mental health message

DOCTOR WHO actress Mandip Gill (right) has voiced support for the show’s storyline about the decline of her character’s mental health.

During an episode of the popular BBC sci-fi series aired last year, fans saw Gill’s character Yaz struggle with her mental wellbeing. In an interview last week, Gill explained the importance of the storyline and hinted it could be developed in later seasons.

“I do get that it is a sci-fi show, and people watch it for escapism. It’s about an alien,” the 32-year-old said. “But TV has a responsibility to teach people about these issues and allow those who are suffering to see themselves.

“I think that’s what’s really good about Doctor Who, Chris’s [Chibnall] writing, but the writers before that too. They are able to mix the two worlds together effortlessly.”

She added: “There’s room now to explore (Yaz’s mental health). It never probably felt like the right time to do it before. So I’m looking forward to it.”

Gill was announced as a regular cast member of Doctor Who in 2017, alongside Jodie Whittaker who is the first female Doctor.