Mandip Gill, who plays the Thirteenth Doctor's longtime companion Yasmin "Yaz" Khan in Doctor Who, responds to the idea of returning to the show, despite the forthcoming special being the character's last episode. Gill first appeared as the Yorkshire police officer in Doctor Who season 11, episode 1, "The Woman Who Fell To Earth," which also saw the debut of Jodie Whittaker as the latest incarnation of the Time Lord. The actor has since appeared in every subsequent episode of the BBC's beloved science-fiction series, serving as the only companion to have been beside Whittaker's Doctor across all three of her seasons. However, in the recent 2022 specials, Yaz confessed her romantic feelings for the Doctor, establishing a new dynamic between the two characters that promises to be further explored in the upcoming Doctor Who BBC centenary special.
It was confirmed last July that Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall would be leaving the series following the three 2022 specials, with Russell T. Davies (the series' original showrunner) returning to helm Doctor Who's 60th anniversary next year as well as its subsequent season 14. It was simultaneously confirmed Whittaker would also be departing the show to make way for the as-yet-unannounced Fourteenth Doctor. However, it has also been suggested that the Time Lord's loyal and lovesick companion will be joining her Doctor in her exodus from the show, with Gill having teased an emotional exit for Yaz in the upcoming autumn special.
Despite this, it would seem that the actor is more than keen to reprise the character sometime in Doctor Who's future. Speaking on The One Show (via Digital Spy), Gill confirms that although Yaz will be marking her final outing in the still-untitled special, the character's return remains open. Refusing to set anything in stone, the actor asserts that her exit is possibly "not forever." Read Gill's full statement below:
"It will be [my last outing on the show]. Well, not forever, because who knows in the world of Doctor Who? But [Yaz's story] definitely comes to an end in that episode, but not forever because who knows? See what I did there?"
Gill's suggestion of Yaz's possible return would keep with Doctor Who's tradition of having the Time Lord reunite with companions past. Season 2's "School Reunion" saw classic fan-favorites Sarah Jane Smith and K-9 joining the Tenth Doctor once again. What's more, the upcoming final episode for Whittaker's Doctor has already confirmed the return of classic companions Tegan Jovanka and Ace after an absence of nearly 40 and 30 years, respectively. However, despite her deliberately ambiguous discussion of the character's future, Gill's statement does act as the first official confirmation that Yaz will be leaving the series in 2022. Her claim that "[Yaz's story] definitely comes to an end in that episode" further suggests that her predominant character arc in navigating her romantic feelings for the Doctor will be resolved in her final outing.
Yaz's popularity as a companion is likely to ensure that any future return to the series would be met with enthusiasm from the fanbase. And Gill's confirmation of her exit will no doubt invite speculation from audiences as to exactly what form her departure will take, with previous Doctor Who companion exits having ranged from voluntarily leaving and dying, to having their memories wiped. With the eventful Doctor Who autumn special fast-approaching, devotees will find it reassuring that Gill's palpable enthusiasm for the character may mean that they won't have seen the last of Yasmin Khan.
Source: The One Show via Digital Spy