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20 Feb 2026 3:28
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  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    David Tennant has taken a subtle swipe at JK Rowling

    The 53-year-old former 'Doctor Who' star - who played Barty Crouch Jr. in 2005's 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' - has joked that the author "doesn't love [him]" after she mocked David on social media due to him being a committed ally to the LGBTQ+ community


    During an appearance at Planet Comicon in Kansas City, David was asked whether he'd like to star in the new 'Harry Potter' TV series, and he replied: "I mean, they're great stories. I feel like my contribution has probably been made."

    The actor - who is most famous for playing the Tenth Doctor in the BBC sci-fi series 'Doctor Who' - then made a subtle reference to JK, who authored the 'Harry Potter' books and had a hands-on role with the new television show.

    He added: "I'm told there's an ex ecutive producer who doesn't love me on that show."

    David is married to actress Georgia Tennant - who is the daughter of Fifth Doctor Peter Davison and his ex-wife, actress Sandra Dickinson - and the couple have five children, including Wilfred who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns.

    JK previously mocked David on X, after the actor engaged in a war of words with Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party in the UK, at the British LGBT Awards in 2024.

    David - who returned to 'Doctor Who' in 2022 for the show's 60th anniversary - won a prize for being a "celebrity ally" at the ceremony and he used his speech to criticise the politician, who served as the UK's minister for women and equalities.

    The 'Good Omens' star said: "If I'm honest I'm a little depressed by the fact that acknowledging that everyone has the right to be who they want to be and live their life how they want to live it as long as they're not hurting anyone else should merit any kind of special award or special mention, because it's common sense, isn't it?"

    David observed that his attitude was one of "human decency". He continued: "We shouldn't live in a world where that is worth remarking on.

    "However, until we wake up and Kemi Badenoch doesn't exist any more - I don't wish ill of her, I just wish her to shut up - whilst we do live in this world, I am honoured to receive this."

    Badenoch then replied on X: "I will not shut up. I will not be silenced by men who prioritise applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls."

    The politician became the leader of the Conservative Party in November, and JK subsequently took to social media to joke about her feud with the actor.

    The author - who is well-known for expressing her own views on gender identity and transgender rights - quipped: "My thoughts and prayers are with David Tennant at this very difficult time."

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

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