Meet ‘Doctor Who’ Actor Tosin Cole

Taking up the mantle as one of the companions on the hit series ‘Doctor Who’, Tosin Cole is a down to earth actor that is making serious waves in the industry. The 27-year-old first started his acting journey as a teen, while attending Intermission Youth Theatre every Saturday. With his newfound passion, Cole decided to actively pursue a career as an actor, earning a role in an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Since then, he has landed roles in popular tv-series and movies, including EastEnders, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Doctor Who.

We got to chat with Tosin about everything from his first experience with acting, Doctor Who, dream role, and more…

What attracted you to begin a career in acting?

I basically fell into it. I started off at Intermission Youth Theatre. At the beginning, it was just something to do on a Saturday, then week by week my passion grew, the ambition to become better started firing up in me. It’s all because of Intermission and the confidence they instilled in me by exposing me to theatre.

What was your first role as an actor?

My first role ever was Casca in Wasted, which was an adaptation of Shakespeare Julius Caesar .

Who do you look to for inspiration?

My inspiration comes from anything and everything. You never know when inspiration is going to come and slap you in the face. But I think it’s more to do with what your soul and heart are aligned with because what inspires one person might inspire the next.

 What is your dream role?

My dream role. I got too many! (laughs) I would love to play numerous of roles in different genres, different periods of time. Something meaty in terms of acting chops, an action role, a role where I get to learn a new skill, or maybe transform my body. But mostly something which has a MUST SEE quality.

Is there an actor or actress you would love to work with?

I would love to work with all my friends in something. As for an actor or actress, I would love to with– there’s too many. Anyone I basically grew up watching.

You’re back as Ryan Sinclair on the latest series of Doctor Who. How has the character changed since we last saw him?

I think Ryan has grown more confident and has adopted a doctor like way of thinking in terms of getting the mission done. But still has that impulsive way about him, which is good (and not so good).

What can fans expect during the 12th series?

Fans can expect classic aliens and villains sprinkled around this season. They can also look forward to a larger scale of Doctor Who, and deeper journey with the doctor and the gang.

Since signing on, what has been your favourite moment working on the show so far?

My favourite moments are mostly behind the scenes when where we are just having a laugh. But for me to pick a moment, it would have to be filming in South Africa. Filming the ghost monument episode when we find the Tardis, the location was mind-blowing.

Out of all the roles you’ve had, which has been the most fun for you to play? Which has been the most difficult?

Probably Frank in The Secrets because it was all improvised. I also got to work with Ashley Walters, who was a good laugh.

The most difficult would be Frank in Burning Sands because of the intensity of the story and the most physically demanding role I’ve played so far.

What’s some advice you could give to aspiring actors?

To trust your instincts, that you are enough, no one does you better than you. Keep the urge to learn and keep it fun and stay free.

Make sure to tune in to Doctor Who to see Tosin Cole as Ryan Sinclair on BBC One!

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