Frasier: How It Should Be Re-Cast In 2021

Much of Frasier’s comedy came from its many culture clashes, often earthiness vs academia. In the case of Daphne, not only was she from another nation to the rest of the characters, but often another planet, a would-be psychic who believed deeply in the whims of fate in spite of scorn from skeptic Frasier et al.

To take the role of the spacey therapist, how about an actress with genuine (sort of) outer space experience? Mandip Gill is best known for her role as Yasmin Khan, a companion to the 13th iteration of Doctor Who. In the beloved BBC sci-fi drama she was asked to do a bit of everything, with the show’s brand of charming silliness sometimes making way for a more serious character with mental health issues.

To this end she would be perfect for Daphne, a character who starts out as the show’s most nakedly sitcommy presence but slowly becomes part of the series’ most detailed and emotional arc, her slow simmering love connection with Niles.

Gill has been steadily making her name in the UK and is poised for a true breakthrough in a starring role. She could be a revelation in this; unlike Jane Leeves, she even has an authentic Northern accent.