Actor who rose to fame in Broadchurch is first Girl to play with the Doctor in BBC drama, replacing Peter Capaldi
The following star of Doctor Who has been announced after intense speculation and the individual stepping into the role of Time Lord is Jodie Whittaker.
She is the first woman to take on the role, playing the 13th Doctor in the BBC1 drama. Whittaker, who rose to fame from ITVs crime drama Broadchurch, was touted as one of the contenders.
Debate has been whirring over who would play the Doctor ever since Peter Capaldi announced in January that he was leaving the programme.
Chris Chibnall, Doctor Whos new head writer and executive producer, said: After months of lists, discussions, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, were eager to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor.
I always knew I wanted the 13th Doctor to be a woman and were thrilled to have secured our number one option. Her audition for the Doctor simply blew us all away.
Jodie is an force of nature and will bring loads of strength, wit and warmth to the role. The 13th Doctor is on her way.
Whittaker said: Im beyond excited to start this epic journey with Chris and with every Whovian on this world. Its more than an honor to play with the Doctor. It means remembering everybody I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I cant wait.
On 4 July, BBC2s current affairs programme Newsnight appeared to reveal the identity of the Doctor. Presenter Evan Davis stated: Bookies favorite Phoebe Waller-Bridge has denied claims that shes going to be the first female Doctor. But then, Joanna Lumley and the role hasalready played with for Comic Relief, so that would technically be true.
Emily Cook, editorial assistant at Doctor Who magazine, said: I am very excited about this. Whenever I saw Jodie Whittaker look on the video in the BBC clip announcing her, it felt she felt like the Doctor. Having a female Doctor is exciting and significant. I cannot wait to see where the series is taken by her and what she does with the function.
She’ll bring a freshness. She is younger than Peter Capaldi and, being a woman, she will have a different approach to the role. Its territory for that and the series is exciting. Whittaker has worked with David Tennant on Broadchurch and St Trinians so there is a Doctor Who link there.
Erica Lear, the social secretary in the Doctor Who Appreciation Society, said: I think its very brave but she is a brilliant actress. I didn’t expect it but I think its brilliant. My only wish was that we’ve got a fantastic actor and that is what we have.
However, Lear noted that opinion might be divided by the appointment. It will spark debate and divide fandom; there will be plenty of people with the decision but its up to the series to change their thoughts.
Sebastian J Brook, website editor in Doctor Who Online, said: Todays announcement has been a shock for fans, but this is a series about change, and perhaps is the time that we all get behind the idea of a female Doctor?
Brook added: I must admit, Ive always been that the Doctor is and should be a man. He has identified as man in the series, and after 50 years used to, but I support the show and Jodie is a fantastic performer, so she gets my full support.
Capaldi said: Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittakers work will know that she is a excellent performer of individuality and charm. She has above all the huge heart to play this most part. Shes going to be a fantastic Doctor.
Colin Baker, the sixth actor to play the role, from 198486, also applauded the decision.
Colin Baker (@SawbonesHex)
Well I never the BBC really did do the right thing and allow the Doctor be in touch with her feminine side. As a father of daughters – result!
Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/us
