WHOVIANS SHARE THEIR VIEWS ON NEW DOCTOR
ACTOR Jodie Whittaker made television history when she was announced as the first woman to play the iconic Time Lord in Doctor Who.
Social media went into meltdown when the 13th Doctor was unveiled as the former Broadchurch star on Sunday evening – and it’s fair to say the decision sparked fierce debate among Whovians.
Some claimed Whittaker would offer a “freshness” and different dynamic to the sci-fi drama, while others favoured the likes of Love Actually’s Kris Marshall to step into the role.
Sisters Nadia and Noura Herzallah, 11 and 15 respectively, shared their opinions about the casting during a visit the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff Bay yesterday.
Noura said: “I think it’s really good because it has always been a white man to play the doctor and people have always been asking for a variation, so it’s really interesting.”
But Nadia, a big Peter Capaldi fan, added: “He was amazing he has been my favourite Doctor so far.”
Catrin Morgan, 20, who has been a fan of the show since she was a child, added: “Finally! It’ll be nice for young girls to be able to relate to the time lord as well as young boys.
“I wish there was a female doctor when I was growing up. I think it will bring in a much-needed female audience.”
Lifelong fans Emily Lewis, 31, and her father David Lewis, 59, were avidly awaiting the trailer after the Wimbledon men’s final on Sunday.
Emily admitted she hoped for Whittaker to be cast as the 13th Doctor when she first heard the rumours.
She said: “I really hope she brings a fun element to the role.
“I’m interested to see whether she’ll take on a Tom Baker approach to the role and play the Doctor a bit loopy or play the character seriously as Peter Capaldi did at the beginning of his series.”
However, David believed there was an alternative reason as to why the BBC chose to cast a female Doctor.
“I am all for equal rights, but I do believe that the BBC chose to have a female Doctor due to possible pressure from today’s society.”
Whovians travel from far and wide to visit the Doctor Who Experience, including Reynhout and his children Lara and Jurgen from Holland.
Commenting on Whittaker’s appointment, he said: “It’s an unconventional choice but she will be great.
“You always ask ‘what will the next Doctor bring?’ and I think she will do really well if not better than previous actors.
“The Doctor is a genderless character so their choice in casting will have anything but a negative impact on the Doctor Who franchise.”
Visiting from Minnesota in the United States, Seth Brewer, 15, found the casting choice “not surprising”.
He said: “It’s about time. I was a bit worried when I first saw the reveal because this role brings a lot of pressure to the new Doctor.”