The BBC has denied claims that it is ‘thunderously racist’ in the casting of Doctor Who and the portrayal of alien races.
A new series of essays titled 'Doctor Who and Race' suggested that the BBC should cast a black or Asian actor as the Time Lord, and added that the Doctor seemed ‘dismissive’ of black companions.
However, the BBC called these claims ‘groundless’, adding: "Doctor Who has a strong track record of diverse casting among both regular and guest cast. Freema Agyeman became the first black companion and Noel Clarke starred in a major role for five years [Mickey Smith]."
The series of essays also suggested that Doctor Who portrays primitive cultures as 'savages'.