Fans of Doctor Who around the world have had the shock of their lives with the news that the thirteenth doctor will be portrayed by a woman.
The iconic British show, which began in 1963, has always had a male as the title character.
But overnight the BBC announced Broadchurch actress Jodie Whittaker would be taking on the role of The Doctor, replacing Peter Capaldi who has been in the role since 2013.
It’s not surprising that the BBC decided to cast a woman, as this marks a new era for the series.
Not only is Peter Capaldi leaving the show, but long-time show writer Stephen Moffat is also leaving.
New head writer Chris Chibnall, who also wrote on Broadchurch, made the decision to cast a woman as the main character.
“After months of lists, conversations, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, we’re excited to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor,” Chris said.
“I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice. Her audition for The Doctor simply blew us all away. Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength and warmth to the role. The Thirteenth Doctor is on her way.”
Newcomer Jodie is just as eager for the new challenge.
“I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey – with Chris and with every Whovian on this planet. It’s more than an honour to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can’t wait,” Jodie said.
The news has not been greeted with enthusiasm from all fans.
The decision to make such a drastic change to a beloved series has had many people up in arms on social media.
“I want to tell the fans not to be scared by my gender,” Jodie said in a BBC interview.
“Because this is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change.”
Who is Jodie Whittaker?
You probably recognise Jodie from her role as Beth Latimer in the popular British series Broadchurch.
From 2013 to 2017 Jodie played the grieving mother who lost her son in the drama series.
The 35-year-old has also appeared in a variety of films, television shows and theatre productions, but Doctor Who is set to be her most high profile job yet and will undoubtedly catapult Jodie to global stardom.
Jodie takes the reins as the Doctor during the annual Christmas special. We can’t wait to see how the newest Time Lord makes her debut!
Jodie with her Broadchurch co-star Andrew Buchan.
