Doctor Who boss reveals how Tosin Cole's character Ryan is tackling an important issue (original) (raw)

Warning: This article contains mild spoilers for Doctor Who series 11, episode 1.

Doctor Who boss Chris Chibnall has spoken about a previously-undisclosed aspect of new character Ryan Sinclair, and explained how he hopes it will help certain young viewers feel less like outsiders.

The first episode of the new series, 'The Woman Who Fell to Earth', reveals that Ryan (Tosin Cole) has dyspraxia, a condition that affects physical co-ordination.

BBC

Above: Tosin Cole as Ryan, with Mandip Gill as Yaz

Also known as developmental co-ordination disorder or DCD, dyspraxia is a condition that manifests from an early age, and those affected can "appear to move clumsily", according to NHS.uk.

Speaking at the launch of Doctor Who's new series in Sheffield, Chibnall said: "We did a lot of research into that, we worked with the Dyspraxia Foundation... it was important, because people live with these things.

"It's a relatively common thing among kids, so I think it's important to see that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. That's the most important thing about Doctor Who and you will see that [idea] happen a lot across this year."

BBC / Ben Blackall

Speaking about Ryan's dyspraxia, actor Tosin Cole added: "As Chris said, it's important to let people know that anything's possible. You can overcome anything by just cracking on."

The new series of Doctor Who begins on Sunday, October 7 at 6.45pm on BBC One.

Cole's character, along with Yaz (Mandip Gill) and Graham (Bradley Walsh), will join the new Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) on her travels across space and time.

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