Pearl Mackie picks up award for Doctor Who's groundbreaking LGBT storylines

“Last year I never fathomed coming to any awards ceremony, so I feel quite honoured to even have been invited, let alone for Doctor Who and the character of Bill. It’s testament to how well she was received and how well people responded to having an out lesbian on a mainstream TV show”, Mackie said.

The actress, who will leave the series after the upcoming Christmas special, said she’s been thrilled with the response to her character and her relationship with Stephanie Hyam’s Heather.

“It’s genuinely been amazingly positive, especially going around the world and meeting people. I met a couple of young girls who were BAME, and talked to me about how watching Bill on Doctor Who enabled them to come out and feel comfortable with their own sexuality. For me that’s a massive achievement.”

“The thing that I liked most about Bill was that she wasn’t grappling with her sexuality, she didn’t need to come out, it wasn’t an issue! It was always just about, I’m gay and happy and this is who I am, this is who I like and this is who I’m in love with”, she said.

“I’m really proud for everyone involved in the show – all of the actors and all of the writers. And I’m proud of the BBC, because to put LGBT+ representation at the heart of the BBC1 schedule is no small thing!" the show's executive producer Brian Minchin added. “We’re saying it’s part of everyone’s lives and should be right at the heart of our dramas and Saturday night TV.”

He also said he thinks LGBT inclusiveness is now a natural element of the show: “Doctor Who is really unique – the lead character is kind of asexual, and he’s always drawn people from all walks of life. So much of TV has a guy as the lead and he’s got a gun and is trying to shag all the women. Doctor Who’s never been like that. I think that counts for something."

Oh and just when Mackie thought her night couldn’t get any better, she ran into someone she’s quite a fan of.

Doctor Who returns to BBC1 at Christmas