Coronation Street boss responds to Millie Gibson's Doctor Who casting

"I'm pretty sure she wasn't supposed to tell me but she did!"

By Jacob Sarkisian and Daniel Kilkelly

2 Jan 2023

doctor who stars ncuti gatwa and millie gibson in costume on set, posing on the steps of a trailer for a first look photo

BBC

Coronation Street boss Iain MacLeod has responded to the news that actress Millie Gibson has been cast in the new series of Doctor Who.

It was revealed late in 2022 that Gibson, who played Kelly Neelan in Corrie from 2019 to 2022, has been cast as Ncuti Gatwa's companion. Now, Corrie boss MacLeod opened up to Digital Spy and other media about the casting.

"I'm thrilled for her. I was aware some time ago that she was in the running for it. I'm pretty sure she wasn't supposed to tell me but she did! I kept waiting for a BBC lawyer to say sign this so you don't reveal it to anyone," MacLeod said.

ITV

"So I knew for a little while but anyone who's watched her on the telly knows she is a fantastically talented young woman and thoroughly deserves it.

"I know Russell T Davies is a Corrie fan so I wonder if that helped her slightly because he would have been familiar with her work, I'm sure."

He continued: "It's brilliant for her and she'll be brilliant in that role, she is destined for really big things."

doctor who stars ncuti gatwa and millie gibson

Lara CornellBBC

Secret auditions were held for the coveted role in September before Doctor Who boss Russell T Davies was won over by Gibson. Gibson and Gatwa will make their debuts in late 2023 when Gatwa officially takes over the role of the Doctor.

Speaking at the time of the announcement, Gibson said: "Whilst still being in total disbelief, I am beyond honoured to be cast as the Doctor’s companion.

"It is a gift of a role, and a dream come true, and I will do everything to try and fill the boots the fellow companions have travelled in before me. And what better way to do that than being by the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa's side – I just can’t wait to get started."

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.