Jul 17, 2017
@TinDogPodcast talks about the news
Jodie Whittaker has been announced as Doctor Who's 13th Time
Lord - the first woman to be given the role.
The new Doctor's identity was revealed in a trailer broadcast at
the end of the Wimbledon men's singles final.
The Broadchurch star succeeds Peter Capaldi, who took over the role
in 2013 and leaves in the forthcoming Christmas special.
Whittaker, 35, said it was "overwhelming, as a feminist" to become
the next Doctor.
She will make her debut on the sci-fi show when the Doctor
regenerates in the Christmas special.
All the Doctors so far, from Hartnell to Whittaker
Time Lord's new gender splits Doctor Who fans
The Huddersfield-born star, who was a late favourite to become the
Doctor, will find a familiar face for her on set - Doctor Who's new
showrunner is Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall.
Whittaker said: "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."
The actress also shares another Broadchurch link with Doctor Who -
co-star David Tennant was the 10th Doctor.
Analysis
Jodie Whittaker
By Lizo Mzimba, BBC entertainment correspondent
It was always unlikely that the Doctor would continue to be white
and male, especially as the BBC has committed itself to greater
diversity on its programmes.
Casting the first female Doctor is something many viewers have been
calling for. And strong female-led stories have been successful on
the big and small screen in recent years, in films ranging from The
Hunger Games and Star Wars to Wonder Woman, and in TV series like
Game of Thrones.
The BBC will be hoping today's announcement will not just excite
viewers, but will also demonstrate that the time travel show has
firmly moved into the 21st century.
Whittaker said it felt "incredible" to take on the role, saying:
"It feels completely overwhelming, as a feminist, as a woman, as an
actor, as a human, as someone who wants to continually push
themselves and challenge themselves, and not be boxed in by what
you're told you can and can't be."
And she told fans not to be "scared" by her gender.
"Because this is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents
everything that's exciting about change," she said, adding: "The
fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new,
different one, not a fearful one."
Whittaker said she had used the codename "Clooney" when discussing
the part with her husband and agent - as actor George is "an iconic
guy".
Peter Capaldi and David Bradley
Image caption
Peter Capaldi will bow out in this year's Christmas special,
featuring David Bradley as the First Doctor
Chibnall said the 13th Doctor was always going to be a woman.
He said: "I always knew I wanted the 13th 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 13th
Doctor is on her way."
Chibnall is taking over from Steven Moffat, who leaves the series
at the same time as Capaldi.
Capaldi, who had said he wanted to see a woman replace him, said:
"Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker's work will know that she is a
wonderful actress of great individuality and charm.
"She has above all the huge heart to play this most special part.
She's going to be a fantastic Doctor."