John Barrowman talks tv, doctor who and the future of the theatre

Doctor Who star John Barrowman has chimed in on who could replace Jodie Whittaker when she departs the long-running sci-fi drama, suggesting that It’s A Sin star Olly Alexander would be a “wonderful” choice.

Barrowman returned to Doctor Who during its 12th revived season as well as for the most recent festive special, reprising the role of Captain Jack Harkness, who was also the focus of cult classic spin-off Torchwood.

Since the start of the year, rumours have been circulating that the 13th Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker, could regenerate in the next season and usher in a new era of the popular show.

One of the names that has cropped up is Alexander, who recently worked with former Doctor Who showrunner Davies on Channel 4’s It’s A Sin, which explores the harrowing AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

Speaking earlier this week Barrowman said: “‘Olly would be amazing, and I think he would make a wonderful Doctor.”

The casting would be another major milestone for the series if it were to go ahead, making Alexander the first openly gay actor to play The Doctor, just as Whittaker was the first woman to take on the role.

Davies has also expressed his support for the idea, telling SFX earlier this week that Alexander would be a “marvellous” choice to star in future seasons.

Doctor Who is currently filming its 13th revived series, which will be comprised of only eight episodes due to the pandemic, with Whittaker and Mandip Gill returning while comedian John Bishop also joins the Doctor Who cast.

What’s the future for John? Well he’s booked again as a judge for Dancing on Ice, and has a couple of secret projects lined up, one of which would involve a tour. And he wants to do a show to help the theatre world get back on its feet after an abysmal 10 months. “I’m absolutely disgusted at the way the [UK] government is treating the theatre world,” he says. “I know a lot of people are struggling and I want to do everything I can to help them.”

Otherwise, he’s decided not to commit to offers of work much. “I’ll just say I’m interested,” he grins, if anyone tried to persuade him into a role. “Let’s just wait for that injection.”