Former Doctor Who Companion Discusses Potential Spin-Off: ‘I Wouldn’t Have To Think Twice’

Overview of Potential Doctor Who Spin-Off Featuring Yaz

Doctor Who talents frequently return in main episodes, special events, or spin-off series.
Mandip Gill expressed enthusiasm for reprising her role as Yaz in a future spin-off, citing exceptional character development.
A spin-off could delve into Yaz’s evolution, unresolved narratives, and her adventures alongside other former companions.

The enduring legacy of Doctor Who includes numerous stars returning to its vibrant universe, and one particular companion is eager for a comeback through a potential spin-off.

Renowned for its fluid narrative structure, Doctor Who often welcomes back former cast members via main series episodes, anniversary specials, or spin-off series. The show’s unique ability to traverse time and space allows for such returns. Notable examples include David Tennant, who reprised his role as the Fourteenth Doctor after originally portraying the Tenth, and Matt Smith, the Eleventh Doctor, who made a brief appearance in Deep Breath (2014) to aid in the transition to Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor. This pattern of familiar faces re-entering the franchise continues, with one former companion expressing excitement about a possible return.

Mandip Gill, who portrayed Yazmin “Yaz”Khan, first appeared in the show’s eleventh season opener, The Woman Who Fell to Earth, joining the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) on her adventures from 2018 to 2022. Over the course of 31 episodes and special appearances, Yaz’s character, a former police officer from Sheffield, showcased notable growth and depth. During her recent appearance on the We Started Here podcast, Gill was asked about her interest in returning to the franchise or participating in a spin-off. Without hesitation, she replied, “Oh, a million per cent. I mean, I’m not even gonna let you finish the sentence, I’m so sorry.”She elaborated on her passion for the show’s compelling writing:

No, because the writing is so good. I just love it so much.

Reflecting on her time behind the scenes, Gill expressed her awe regarding the creative processes involved, remarking on the impressive sets and filming locations that the series offered. Her enthusiasm about potential return is palpable:

But the worlds that they create and the props and the sets… and we filmed in so many brilliant places. And everything that it’s done for me thereafter, I’m like, absolutely. Like, I wouldn’t even have to think about it. And especially if it was like a spin-off in a new world.

Gill also highlighted her desire to see Yaz evolve, stating:

I don’t like my characters to stay the same. I like to see them going through a journey, and a lot of that journey that they go through is also me getting to know the character more.

As one of the longest-serving modern companions, Yaz’s departure in The Power of the Doctor left several storylines unresolved, particularly the romantic tension between her and the Thirteenth Doctor. A potential spin-off could explore these dynamics along with Yaz’s interactions with other former companions, addressing how they adapt to life after the Doctor. Storylines could incorporate new alien encounters, showcase Yaz’s investigative skills, or even take on a darker tone reminiscent of detective dramas within the Whoniverse context. Given the consistent emphasis on character development and new threats, there is a promising avenue for Gill to headline a Doctor Who spin-off.

Doctor Who Season 15 is slated to premiere on April 12, 2025.

Source: We Started Here

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