Doctor Who is famous for its dramatic regenerations, when a new actor takes on the title role every few years – but the hit BBC show also has the power to transform careers.
Take Jenna Coleman, who went from Emmerdale to become one of Britain’s most sought-after stars after playing Matt Smith’s companion Clara.
Now, another actress with a soap background – and a similiar look – is hoping to tread the same path to success. Tomorrow, Millie Gibson, who played drug dealer’s daughter Kelly Neelan in Coronation Street, will be unveiled as Ruby Sunday, joining 15th Doctor Ncuti Gatwa in the Tardis.
Millions will tune in for the two new stars’ debut episode in what is expected to be one of Christmas Day’s most-watched programmes.
Millie, 19, has also begun her own personal regeneration, transforming her image from party-loving teenager into something classier, more befitting an actress on the threshold of international stardom.
One reason may be the involvement of Disney, a company always keen to project a wholesome, family-friendly brand. Last year the BBC signed a lucrative deal with the Hollywood giant to bring the show to a potentially huge global audience, with its Disney+ streaming channel carrying the show everywhere but the UK and Ireland.
Ahead of her debut, Millie has deleted social media pictures of herself partying and wearing bikinis or low-cut dresses. Often they showed her with drinks which appeared to be wine – even when she was underage.
Gone, too, are her wavy locks, replaced with a long blonde bob, prompting some friends to say she now resembles Marilyn Monroe.
She also has a stylist now, and at October’s Glamour awards in London channelled the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age in an elegant white full-length gown with a high neckline. At the event – which celebrates women’s achievements – she rubbed shoulders with A-listers including Oscar-winners Halle Berry and Ariana DeBose and Barbie star America Ferrara.
It was a restrained night out for an actress who – according to sources who used to work with her on Coronation Street – used to have a reputation as a ‘little bit of a wild child’.
One insider recalled a ‘very boozy’ leaving party in October 2022 with her castmates, including a five-hour session at the Alchemist bar in Salford Quays.
A friend of the star told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Millie loved a party, she would often be out and about with the other young Corrie gang. She also loved to share her good times on Instagram.
‘She was a young girl who couldn’t believe her luck and was making the most of it. But now things have got incredibly serious for her. She knows she has a shot at making a real name for herself and doesn’t want to take any risks.’
