Russell Tovey is embracing his status as a leading man, headlining the major new Doctor Who spin-off series 'The War Between the Land and the Sea', which premieres this month. In a candid interview, the actor opens up about the show's themes of empathy, its climate change allegory, and the evolving landscape for LGBTQ+ representation on screen.
From Character Actor to Unlikely Hero
For years, the 44-year-old actor with the distinctive Essex accent was best known for his scene-stealing supporting roles, from The History Boys to Gavin & Stacey. However, a pivotal shift began with his critically acclaimed performance in Russell T Davies's Years and Years in 2019, followed by roles in American Horror Story: NYC and the Bafta-contender Plainclothes.
His latest project solidifies this transition. In 'The War Between the Land and the Sea', created by Davies for the BBC, Tovey plays Barclay, an ordinary man unexpectedly chosen as humanity's ambassador to negotiate with an ancient aquatic species led by Gugu Mbatha-Raw's character, Salt. The series, which begins airing on BBC One and iPlayer from 7 December 2025, carries significant weight as the sole festive offering from the Whoniverse this year.
The Power of Storytelling and Empathy
Tovey reflects on the responsibility of leading a major production and the core message of his character. "Barclay gets chosen because of kindness, because of showing empathy," he explains. The actor emphasises that the show celebrates sensitivity and softness as strengths, particularly in a male protagonist thrust into an extraordinary crisis.
He passionately argues for the power of drama to illuminate real-world issues, drawing parallels between the show's environmental narrative and pressing concerns like climate change and toxic online cultures. "We have a responsibility, all of us, to show an alternative, to choose empathy," Tovey states, specifically referencing the dangers of incel culture and the 'manosphere' influencing young men.
Queer Representation and a Shifting Culture
The conversation turns to LGBTQ+ visibility, a subject close to Tovey's heart as a gay man who has been open about his sexuality throughout his career. He praises Davies's writing for normalising queer identities, noting that in this show, his character has a non-binary child, presented without drama or conflict.
While acknowledging progress, Tovey describes the current climate for queer people as a precarious "cha-cha-cha" between safety and vulnerability. He finds hope in the visibility of peers like Jonathan Bailey and Andrew Scott, reflecting that seeing such a group of out, successful actors in a magazine would have been transformative for him as a young person.
As for the festive season, the Essex-born actor confirms he'll be spending Christmas with family, likely in Billericay, with classic films like Love Actually and Gremlins on his viewing list. With 'The War Between the Land and the Sea', however, Russell Tovey is firmly focused on delivering a primetime story that champions compassion in the face of global division.
