“Change, my dear. And it seems not a moment too soon.” – The Sixth Doctor
Doctor Who is to have its first female lead actor, announced the BBC earlier today. Jodie Whittaker, star of Broadchurch and Attack the Block, is the Thirteenth Doctor. The announcement came via a special video clip on BBC One following the conclusion of the Men’s Singles tennis final at Wimbledon. Whittaker’s casting comes courtesy of new Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall, who replaces Steven Moffat next year. Chibnall created Broadchurch, which ran for three seasons with Whittaker in a leading role.
Build-Up
The BBC teased the announcement a few days ago in the following trailer:
Then today, BBC One aired the clip after Roger Federer’s final victory against Marin Čilić. The wait, though, was interminable for some. Den of Geek pleaded with Wimbledon presenter Sue Barker to get on with it:
WE LOVE YOU SUE BARKER, BUT COME ON NOW SUE BARKER.
PS We love you Sue Barker. #DoctorWho
— Den Of Geek UK (@denofgeek) July 16, 2017
SUE!
ENOUGH, SUE!
SUE! SUE! SUE!
WE'RE BEGGING YOU SUE!
— Den Of Geek UK (@denofgeek) July 16, 2017
Right. They've locked Roger up. Surely it's time, Sue?
— Den Of Geek UK (@denofgeek) July 16, 2017
The Thirteenth Doctor Speaks
Whittaker told Doctor Who Magazine (via its Twitter account):
“I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey – with Chris Chibnall and with every Whovian on this planet…
It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can’t wait.
It’s very nerve-racking, as it’s been so secret!”
Secrets and Lies
When asked about the difficulties of keeping her new role a secret, Whittaker replied:
“Yes. Very hard! I’ve told a lot of lies! I’ve embroiled myself in a whole world of lies!”
“Don’t Be Scared of Gender”
Whittaker is aware that her gender – a woman playing a traditionally male role – may be a sticking point for some:
“It feels completely overwhelming, as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human…
“I want to tell the fans not to be scared by my gender. Because this is a really exciting time and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change. This is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.”
The Thirteenth Doctor’s Debut
Whittaker makes her debut as the Thirteenth Doctor at the conclusion of this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special.
