Is Rakhee Thakrar Doctor Who’s New Companion?

Jill Pantozzi | March 2nd, 2016

RakheeThakrar

It’s just a rumor at this point but it looks as if the Doctor Who companion search has started in earnest. Actor Rakhee Thakrar’s name has surfaced as a possibility.

Radio Times says Thakrar, best known for playing Shabnam Masood on EastEnders, is on “the list” to replace Jenna Coleman’s spot on the long-running series.

According to a source, auditions are poised to begin for the part with Thakrar – who won plaudits from the soap’s producers and fans – in line for an audience with the producers.

Neither the BBC nor Thakrar’s agents would comment on the speculation, but if – and it’s a big if – she gets the gig, she would be the first non-white main companion since Freema Agyeman’s medic Martha Jones left David Tennant’s side back in 2008.

The Doctor’s companions have almost been exclusively white over its 50 year history so it certainly would be nice to see the BBC cast a woman of color again. Not to mention an Indian companion is a long time coming considering British Indians make up the biggest ethno-national group in the UK.

I’ve seen Thakrar in just one role, the TV movie Page Eight starring Bill Nighy, Rachel Weisz, and Michael Gambon, but I am really hoping she lands the gig. She’s done a bit of charitable work, helping the stillbirth charity, Sands, after a relatable storyline she did on EastEnders. And a quick look at her Twitter account shows it’s something in her blood.

What do you think of the possibility of this casting?

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One Response to “Is Rakhee Thakrar Doctor Who’s New Companion?”

  1. VBartilucci says:
    March 5, 2016 at 10:45 am

    It is legally required for all British actors to do a turn on EastEnders. It’s the acting profession’s version of national service.
    Cameo appearances on Coronation Street are awarded as part of the Queen’s little-known third Honours List, distributed on Tony Warren’s birthday.