Doctor Who: Peter Capaldi doesn't want a male companion as writers would 'give them all the action'

'I'm frightened I'll be standing around spouting scientific gobbledygook...'

Peter Capaldi, aka Doctor Who (BBC)

It has been well established that Jenna Coleman’s Clara has truly left Doctor Who, with little to no hope of returning anytime soon.

Attention has thus turned to the question of ‘who will be the Doctor’s next companion?’ with many believing Maisie Williams’s Ashildr will replace her.

Speaking about the subject with Radio Times, show runner Steven Moffat inferred that the next companion will be a female once again.

"I’m beginning to have an idea of the kind of person, specific ideas but not a specific actress,” he said. “We’re definitely looking for a different dynamic.”

The Doctor himself, Capaldi, also gave his two cents on whether he would be ok with a male companion. He explained that he definitely would not like a man beside him on adventures as he is “frightened that [the writers] will give [the companion] all the action”.

"With the best will in the world, I don't want a bloke," he said "Because I'm frightened that they'll give him all the action and I'll be standing around spouting scientific gobbledygook... 'Oh, Peter's not up to chasing those Zygons down the corridor, let the chap do it.' And that would be awful. I want to chase the Zygons!”

While the comments may be harmless enough, some commentators have been “rubbed the wrong way” as it could imply that a female companion wouldn’t be seen as being able to handle the action.

Of course - throughout the Doctor’s travels - his female companions have always beaten up aliens and been badass, Capaldi’s older Doctor on plenty of occasions taking a seat behind his companion.

Whether the Doctor’s next companion is a male or female, it shouldn’t make too much difference then, should it?