Max Parker is making his Doctor Who debut as Manny with all guns blazing.
Fans were treated to their first look at the former Emmerdale star after images were published of him in action in the long-running sci-fi series.
He will be seen as Manny when Ncuti Gatwa returns as the Time Lord on Saturday (12 April), alongside Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday. They will also be joined in the TARDIS by Varada Sethu, as the Doctor’s newest companion, Belinda Chandra.
Parker posted an image of himself from the opening story, “The Robot Revolution”, on Monday (7 April), writing: “Five days until season two. Such a blast playing Manny. He’s a stubborn hero and loves a vest. This one’s for you dad.”
Commenting on the post, Doctor Who supremo Russell T Davies said: “Love that vest.” Parker replied: “No such thing as small parts, only small vests.”
Social media users were quick to respond with one writing on X/Twitter: “I know RTD hand-picked that vest for Max Parker’s character,” with more pictures of the star, including one where he is descending from the ceiling by rope and another with him totting a large gun.
Both images showcase Parker’s own well-toned guns. The star came out publicly as gay in 2020 and is set to marry his former Emmerdale co-star and on-screen brother, Kris Mochrie, in August.
Davies recently gave an update on the future of Doctor Who, telling Radio Times there have been no talks yet about future seasons.
“It’s funny because even people who work on the show think that means we’re having secret meetings about it,” he said. “People I work with every year say, ‘What’s really happening?’ and I’m going, ‘Nothing, No meetings, nothing’.
“The decision won’t even be made by the people we work with at Disney, it’ll be made by someone in a big office somewhere.”
In February, the BBC denied reports that the show was being axed. “As we have previously stated, the decision on season three will be made after season two airs,” a spokesperson said.
Fans can expect a host of queer guest stars in the new season, including My Policeman‘s Kadiff Kirwan, Charlie Condou, who played Marcus Dent in Coronation Street, The Traitors host Alan Cumming, and Rylan.
Doctor Who stars at 6.50pm on BBC1 on Saturday (12 April) and will also be available on the iPlayer. It will stream internationally on Disney+.
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