Coronation Street's boss has joked that he was expecting a legal letter from the BBC after Millie Gibson let him know about her auditions for what has turned out to be her next role. The actress, who bowed out of the ITV soap earlier this year as Kelly Neelan, was revealed as Doctor Who's new companion last month.
Eighteen-year-old Millie will play Ruby Sunday and will star alongside Ncuti Gatwa, who was revealed as the 15th Doctor earlier this year. She will make her debut over the festive season in 2023 when Ncuti takes control of the Tardis.
Following the big reveal during Children In Need's annual telethon, Mille said of her new role: "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."
Her former Corrie co-star's were quick to share their pride and Iain MacLeod, Corrie's producer, has now also shared his thoughts.
Speaking during an event at the Salford-based set as the Weatherfield Precinct was unveiled for the first time, Iain said he was "thrilled" for Millie and added: "I was aware she was in the running for it some time ago."
He then joked: "I'm pretty sure she wasn't supposed to tell me but she did and I kept waiting for some BBC lawyer to turn up and say 'sign this immediately to say you won't reveal it to anyone'. So I kind of knew for a little while but anyone that's watched her on the telly know she's a fantastically talented young woman and thoroughly deserves that.
"I also know Russell T Davies is a Corrie fan so I wonder if it may have helped her slightly as he may have been familiar with her work I'm sure. But brilliant for her, she'll be brilliant in that role and Doctor Who is big but she's destined for really big things."
Millie herself also had a sweet response to Coronation Street after she posted about her new gig for the first time. After the announcement last month, Millie shared the first official photos of herself leaning up against the iconic Tardis. Another image showed her alongside Ncuti as the pair prepare to make their debuts in the hit BBC One sci-fi series.
Millie's former Corrie co-star Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah Habeeb in the ITV soap, was among the first to respond, writing: "Bursting with pride for you my darling, brilliant, fearless girl." Nina Lucas actress Mollie Gallagher replied: "MILLIE AMAZING AMAZING OMG!!! I am sooooo happy for you I can’t cope."
Max Turner star Paddy Bever shared: "Immensely proud of you. so deserved." And Charlie De Melo, who left the soap as Imran Habeeb earlier this year, tweeted: "I'm struggling to think of a single time, in my entire life, that I've been prouder. Love you so very much @MillieGibson01, you absolute diamond! (Nay, RUBY!) @bbcdoctorwho are so so lucky to have you."
Corrie's official Instagram account added: "We’re all so proud of you," to which Millie replied: "Couldn’t of done it without you," alongside a red heart emoji.
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