Doctor Who viewers switch off over 'woke, boring rubbish' after storylines featuring trans, non-binary and drag-queen characters exterminate fans

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

Doctor Who viewers are turning off in droves due to storylines condemned as ' woke ' and 'boring', new figures reveal.
The primetime BBC1 show has taken a turn, with previous star Billie Piper making a comeback while Ncuti Gatwa departs after just two series in the lead Time Lord role.
But while 2.3million viewers tuned in to last Saturday's episode including the Doctor's latest regeneration, it appears many more have been tuning out.
Researchers have found that 42 per cent of Doctor Who fans say the show has got worse since 2005, when the BBC brought it back after 16 years away.
And almost half of current continuing viewers, 46 per cent, say they believe the series now puts social justice and so-called 'woke' issues above quality, according to a poll.
The survey of 2,135 people was carried out by London firm JL Partners, set up by people who previously ran research programmes for Theresa May as Prime Minister.
The apparent slump in popularity for Doctor Who comes after a series of appearances by trans, non-binary and drag queen characters in recent years.
In last Saturday's season finale, Gatwa's Time Lord regenerated and fans got a glimpse of Billie Piper, who played Rose Tyler for 35 episodes from 2005 to 2013.
The new findings suggest that 42 per cent of viewers believe Doctor Who has got worse since being brought back to screens in 2005, with only 18 per cent approving.
Overall, 38 per cent of people responded by saying it put social justice and 'woke' issues over quality - rising to 46 per cent among those still tuning into the show.
James Johnson, from pollsters JL Partners, said: 'This is the first ever major poll done on attitudes to Doctor Who and the results are bleak.
'The public believe a once-great show has lost its way - and their biggest complaint is it puts pursuit of wokeness above entertainment value. The main words associated with it are rubbish, boring, and woke.
'If the BBC want to grow the show's audience once more, they will need a total revamp - and to get back to telling entertaining stories rather than preaching lessons that simply do not have an audience among the British public.'
Other terms featuring most prominently in a 'wordcloud' produced by the polling firm after questioning people were 'weird', 'irrelevant' and 'awful' - but also 'entertaining', 'popular' and 'timeless'.
Billie Piper's character Rose Tyler was a companion to versions of the doctor played by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant.
Producers are keeping Piper's new role secret, for now, with the BBC saying in a statement after the finale aired: 'Just how and why she is back remains to be seen.'
Doctor Who's 'woke' characters at a glance
Rose Noble: The transgender daughter of Doctor companion, Donna Noble. She is imbued with Time Lord energy which supports her non-binary personality. She famously grilled David Tennant's Doctor for 'assuming' an alien's gender.
Maestro: A non-binary villain played by American drag queen, Jinkx Monsoon. She uses music and singing as a power.
Yoss: A pregnant man from the alien species known as the Gifftans. He reveals that unlike humans, both male and female Gifftans can give birth.
The Doctor: David Tennant's Doctor, in the 60th anniversary episode, hints at being homosexual after encountering an Isaac Newton of Indian heritage who he goes on to call 'hot'.
Showrunner Russell T Davies said in a statement: 'It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the TARDIS, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told.'
Piper herself described how Doctor Who had provided some of her best memories - and felt she could not pass up the opportunity to come back.
The former chart-topping popstar said: 'It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return.
'But who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see.'
If Piper does indeed become the Doctor, she would be the third woman to fill the role.
The Rwanda-born, Scotland-raised Gatwa, 29, was the first Black actor to helm the show, but he was not the first Black Doctor - with Jo Martin having played the so- called 'Fugitive Doctor' in several episodes.
Gatwa took over the role from Jodie Whittaker in 2023.
Whittaker was the 13th Doctor - and the first woman to play the central galaxy-hopping, extraterrestrial Time Lord who regenerates into new bodies, taking over from Peter Capaldi in 2017.
Martin was the second woman to play the title role in a franchise that first aired from 1963 to 1989 before returning in 2005.
Campaigners have accused bosses behind the BBC series of 'promoting the cult of gender ideology' in the latest episodes of the time-hopping romp, which is streamed globally thanks to a lucrative deal with Disney thought to be worth £100million.
After last Saturday's episode was shown, a statement released by the BBC quoted Gatwa as saying: 'You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it.
'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.
'The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can't thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience.
'I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have.
'I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.'
Meanwhile, Piper said: 'It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse.'
The development came as it was revealed Gatwa would exit after just two series - with ratings for the stalwart show having fallen in recent years.
The BBC programme was reported to have been paused for an extended break amid criticism about recent plots involving non-binary aliens, incels and even a pregnant male extra-terrestrial.
A small number of social media critics have pointed to the diversity of the cast, a drag queen villain and the introduction of transgender and non-binary characters.
Ncuti's first series as the Doctor attracted between 2.25million and 3.18million viewers - a tiny fraction of what it used to pull in.
The slump came after Russell T Davies returned as showrunner and introduced a string of controversial plots - which included David Tennant's Doctor realising he was gay after developing a crush on the 'hot' Sir Isaac Newton.
Tennant, who stepped back into the Tardis to be the 14th doctor for three Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials, made the hint about his sexuality in a comment to Catherine Tate, who returned as his assistant Donna Noble.
In the exchange about Newton - who appears to be of Indian heritage in the show and is played by Nathaniel Curtis - Donna said: 'Is it just me or was Isaac Newton hot?'
And the Doctor replied: 'He was, wasn't he? He was so hot. Oh! Is that who I am now?'
Donna added: 'Well, it was never too far from the surface, mate. I always thought you...'
In the anniversary special, fans were also introduced to Donna Noble's transgender daughter, Rose, played by trans actress Yasmin Finney.
The 21-year-old, most recognised for her role as Elle Argent in Heartstopper, scolded Tennant's Doctor for 'assuming the gender' of an alien.
Tennant was called out by Finney's character for describing a fluffy rat-like creature called Beep The Meep as 'him '.
Rose lambasted the Doctor's assumption that the alien was a 'he', asking him: 'You're assuming he as a pronoun?'
In an exchange dubbed 'cringe-worthy' by some viewers, the Doctor then apologised and asked Meep if it was a 'he or she or they', to which the creature replied: 'My chosen pronoun is the definite article. I am always The Meep.'
But the scene was slammed by viewers, with the Family Education Trust saying it promoted a 'cult of gender ideology' for young people watching the TV show.
Taking to X, the trust raged: 'The whole episode is dedicated to promoting the cult of gender ideology. Many vulnerable children watch Dr Who - this is dreadful propaganda from the BBC yet again.'
Fans also lamented at the introduction of the screeching, wide-mouthed, ginger-haired non-binary villain, Maestro - played by American drag queen Jinkx Monsoon.
The camp icon, who is seen slithering out of a piano while gurning and laughing maniacally, went viral for correcting another character for using 'him' pronouns incorrectly.
Ncuti Gatwa and Russell T Davies are pictured here attending the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards 2022 at London's Royal Festival Hall on May 8 2022
In the show, Maestro encounters a man who warns other characters to 'get away from him' - to which the villain replies: 'Them.'
'What?' the bemused man then asks. 'I'm "them", but my notation is "Maestro",' Monsoon's character then replies, before going on to use musical chords as a weapon.
Back in 2018, when Jodie Whittaker was the titular Time Lord, fans were introduced to a heavily pregnant man as one of the side characters.
The 'man' called Yoss is an alien from a species known as the Gifftans. He reveals that unlike humans, both male and female Gifftans can give birth - when men giving birth to boys and women giving birth to girls.
However, both Davies and Gatwa have hit back at flak, with Davies telling BBC Radio 2's 20 Secrets From 20 Years: 'Someone always brings up matters of diversity.
'And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues.
'And I have no time for this. I don't have a second to bear (it). Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.'
Gatwa told Attitude magazine last year that hateful racist comments were 'fascinating, because there's so much energy they're putting into it', adding: 'I think they need to go find a hobby is one thing.'
During his time in the lead role, his companions have included Andor actress Varada Sethu, and ex-Coronation Street star Millie Gibson.
When contacted by MailOnline, a BBC spokesperson said: 'Doctor Who remains one of the biggest dramas on the BBC and is the most watched drama for the under 35s, as well as being one of the most popular brands on BBC iPlayer.'
The corporation confirmed the figure of 2.3million viewers tuning in at home, while saying the episode was also watched in 450 cinemas across the UK and Ireland.
The spokesperson also responded to reports of a new longer-term tie-up with Disney+ by saying: 'As we have previously stated, a decision on any future deal between the BBC and Disney+ regarding Doctor Who is yet to be made and any other claims are pure speculation.'
The changing face of Doctor Who: Every actor who has played the Time Lord
1. William Hartnell - 1963 to 1966
William Hartnell played the iconic Time Lord in his first incarnation, as he crashed to Earth with his granddaughter Susan after being 'exiled' from their planet Gallifrey.
He was initially portrayed as a stubborn old man but a softer side was later shown to him in his compassion as a grandfather and towards his companions.
The initial appearance of the doctor was very different to the modern episodes, with black-and-white filming and shaky effects.
Hartnell's time as the Doctor also saw the first appearances of the Daleks and the Cybermen but years of travel took their toll on the aging Doctor and he collapsed in the TARDIS, leading to the second incarnation.
The First Doctor sadly suffered through ill health while filming, ultimately forcing him to retire from acting. He passed away in 1975, aged 67.
2. Patrick Troughton - 1966 to 1969
Patrick Troughton's Doctor was in stark contrast to his predecessor, and was outwardly scruffy and light-hearted.
In the second incarnation, fans met with new enemies such as the Great Intelligence and the Ice Warriors.
This time also saw the debut of classic series mainstay Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart (or the Brigadier), when he met the Doctor in the tunnels of the London Underground.
The Second Doctor's time came to an end when the TARDIS landed in the middle of a war-zone, created by a race of alien warlords.
He was able to defeat the plot but was forced to regenerate due to breaking laws of non-interference.
Troughton passed away in 1987 after suffering a fatal heart attack.
3. Jon Pertwee - 1970 to 1974
Many modern-day fans will also know Pertwee for his role in Worzel Gummidge and his Doctor was more prone to action that his predecessors.
After his exile to Earth was lifted, he and his companions travelled to all corners of the universe, along with meeting journalist Sarah Jane Smith.
This era also the first ever multi-Doctor crossover, as the Third Doctor met his two previous selves.
It saw the introduction of prehistoric villains The Silurians and The Autons, who appeared in the first episode of the 2005 reboot series.
Eventually Pertwee's Doctor regenerated following a nasty encounter with The Green Death.
Pertwee is sadly also no longer with us and passed away in 1996.
4. Tom Baker - 1974 to 1981
With his mass of curled hair and legendary striped scarf, Tom Baker was both the longest-serving Classic era Doctor and its most iconic, partly due to his partnership with Sarah Jane, played by the late Elizabeth Sladen.
Tom - now 84 - is also known to younger fans as the narrator for comedy sketch series Little Britain.
5. Peter Davison - 1981 to 1984
Peter's Doctor was dressed as a cricketer and his personality tended towards being indecisive - although he had a vulnerable side.
Even though popularity for the show dwindled through this era, the Doctor and his companion Adric (Matthew Waterhouse) are fondly remembered.
A heart-wrenching scene also saw the first major death of the series, when Adric died trying to stop a space freighter from crashing into prehistoric Earth.
6. Colin Baker - 1984 to 1986
Colin Baker's time as the sharp-tongued Doctor was a turbulent period, with the actor's early dismissal as ratings plummeted leading to a slightly awkward regeneration scene.
After the TARDIS was attacked by villainous Time Lady scientist The Rani, the Sixth Doctor was left injured and regenerated, though his death was never played out on-screen.
In addition, the Doctor was never reunited with his companion Peri (Nicola Bryant).
7. Sylvester McCoy - 1987 to 1989
The Doctor headed into his seventh incarnation with his signature cane and punctuation-printed vest while, as now-EastEnders star Bonnie Langford took on the role of dizzy companion Mel Bush.
However McCoy's tenure in the TARDIS came to an abrupt end when BBC axed the show in 1989.
8. Paul McGann - 1996 and 2013
After a near-decade off-screen Doctor Who was brought back as a TV movie in an American co-production, with Paul McGann taking on the leading role.
This film saw The Master (played here by Eric Roberts) trying to steal the Doctor's remaining lives by opening the Eye of Harmony the TARDIS, which nearly destroyed the Earth.
Luckily, the Doctor and his companion Dr Grace Holloway (Daphne Ashbrook) prevent the Earth's destruction, leading the Master is sucked into the Eye.
It was in this film that fans saw their first glimpse at what a romance between the Doctor and his companion could look like, as they shared a firework-lit kiss in the closing scenes which infuriated fans at the time.
9. Christopher Eccleston - 2005
The series was an instant hit as Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) teamed up with Eccleston's version of The Doctor, this time a leather jacket-clad man with a Northern accent because 'lots of planets have a North!'
A drastic change for the series at this point was the absence of Gallifrey, which had been destroyed - off-screen - in a Time War with the Daleks.
The Daleks took centre stage in this new series with a scary gold exterior, and an explosive finale saw thousands of the alien robots try to conquer a futuristic version of Earth under the leadership of their Emperor.
Sadly Eccleston's tenure in the TARDIS was brief - largely due to reports of disagreements behind the scenes - but his regeneration proved epic, kissing Rose to absorb the TARDIS vortex and save her life.
10. David Tennant - 2005 to 2010
Ask most Doctor Who fans, and they would predominantly name David Tennant as their favourite Doctor and fans became invested in his feelings for Rose Tyler.
It was also the birth of his famous partnership with Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) which saw hilarious banter between 10 and companion.
Ten's exit also saw Russell T Davies step down as showrunner and his closing scenes saw the fan-favourite alone in the TARDIS saying 'I don't want to go' before bursting into regeneration, with viewers of more than 11 million struggling to hold back their tears.
11. Matt Smith - 2010 to 2013
Matt, 27, made for the youngest-ever Doctor as he had big shoes to fill, while Stephen Moffatt took on the reins of show-running.
Known as the 'raggedy Doctor', fears were soon gone as Eleven's sprightly nature and signature bow tie won over fans in a heartbeat alongside companion Amelia Pond.
He stepped down after four years after saying it was long enough in the role.
12. Peter Capaldi - 2013 to 2017
Fans felt the show headed back to its classic roots during Twelve's era as Scottish actor Peter took on the role.
The character was capricious and spiky but became more compassionate over time.
Fans grew to love the friendship between the older Doctor and his companion Clara (Jenna Coleman) while the show's first ever gay companion was introduced in the form of Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie)
13. Jodie Whittaker - 2017 to 2022
Jodie Whittaker took on the then-controversial role of the first-ever female Doctor.
The actress, 41, has portrayed the eponymous Time Lord on-screen for four years, and bowed out of the sci-fi series in her last episode in October 2022. However, the role and the show's script were criticised throughout her tenure.
Her departure featured in the episode The Power Of The Doctor, which even saw a brief return of David Tennant.
14. Ncuti Gatwa - 2023 to present
Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa is making history as the first-ever black actor to take on the role of the Doctor.
He will be taking on the iconic role from Christmas Day onwards after his first appearance in the 60th anniversary episode, in which the Doctor 'bi-generated', meaning there were two versions at the same time.
He is set to cross paths with new companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) for the first time.