LGBT lead planned for 'Doctor Who' spin-off series 'Class' - CNET

The upcoming "Doctor Who" spin-off series "Class" will have an openly gay lead character.

"Class" creator and writer Patrick Ness tweeted the news on Monday. Originally the character's sexual orientation was meant to be kept under wraps until the show's debut, but in the wake of Sunday's deadly mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, that targeted patrons at a gay nightclub, Ness felt it important to show public support for the LGBT community.

Actors Greg Austin, Fady Elsayed, Sophie Hopkins and Vivian Oparah have already been cast as the main characters attending Coal Hill School. "Happy Valley" actor Katherine Kelly plays the role of a teacher who will be a "powerful new presence." Ness has not revealed which actor will play the lead gay character in the series.