Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat says the women in Doctor Who are not like “Bond girls”.

After the departure of the Doctor’s companion Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), who is leaving the series after three years, Steven is keen to show the impact it has on the Time Lord – currently played by Peter Capaldi.

Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman pose for pictures with the Tardis
Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman star in Doctor Who (Ian West/PA)

He told the Radio Times: “We have an emotionally engaged hero and those women he knows are not like James Bond girls. They don’t just disappear between movies. When the Doctor ends a friendship, it tears him apart.”

Steven has been accused of misogyny by The Guardian and online forums, who have critiqued the way he writes female characters such as River Song, Amy Pond and Clara. Critics say he writes women who cannot exist without a male presence to guide them.

River Song and Doctor Who
River Song and Doctor Who (Simon Ridgway/BBC)

Addressing these concerns, he said: “It’s a complicated issue. I never quite know how to respond. The general point being made by these people is correct. We need better female role models on screen.

“Maybe this is my dimwittery but I do not understand why Doctor Who of all shows is singled out as misogynist. I’m sure I’m to the left of a lot of my detractors.”

Doctor Who actress Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald
Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald (David Venni/BBC)

On a successor for Clara, he teased that he has ideas in the works – but does not yet have a specific actress in mind.

He said: “A new companion gives us the chance to relaunch the show. And we’ve got a really cool new idea about how to do that.”

Read more in this week’s Radio Times.