‘Doctor Who’ Season 12 Air Date, Spoilers: 2020 Return Eyed; 1st LGBTQ+ Companion Hints at Possible Comeback

In the past couple of years, “Doctor Who” have made major changes by introducing the first LGBTQ+ companion and then the first female doctor of the franchise. Fans were obviously on board with these developments that it as evidenced by the making of “Doctor Who” season 12. The only possible downside, though, is that the series might not return until 2020.

Bill (Pearl Mackie) is celebrated as one of the first LGBTQ+ characters that the franchise has introduced. Considering that the show's history can be traced back to the '60s, introducing characters like Bill is a major deal. Unfortunately, Bill was a no-show in season 11. On the positive side, Mackie recently hinted at wanting to reprise the role in the future. But it just might not happen in “Doctor Who” season 12.

With the talks about the upcoming story in “Doctor Who” season 12, Mackie was recently asked by RadioTimes on the possibility of her coming back. The actress did not dismiss the idea of playing Bill again, however, she said, “I think I need more time.”

And even though Bill's comeback in “Doctor Who” season 12 is not set in stone, Mackie gave fans hope that she might return in future installments. “I still feel quite close to Bill. I need to miss her before I want to play her again,” the actress explained. She also shared the touching story of a young girl who approached her to say how Bill helped her come out to her family.

After Bill's introduction, the franchise also made a huge development by introducing the first female main protagonist, the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker. The actress is confirmed to reprise the titular role in “Doctor Who” season 12.

The filming of “Doctor Who” season 12 reportedly began last January. But the official social media pages for the show already confirmed that the next installment will not be released until early 2020.