Jodie gets the key to the Tardis
● Jodie Whittaker takes role as series gets new chief
Jodie Whittaker has described becoming the first woman to play the lead role in Doctor Who as “completely overwhelming”.
The actress was revealed as the new Time Lord yesterday, the 13th reincarnation of the character. She said: “It feels completely overwhelming, as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human.”
Jodie Whittaker has described becoming the first woman to play the lead role in Doctor Who as “completely overwhelming”.
The Broadchurch actress was revealed as Peter Capaldi’s successor as the Time Lord yesterday, making her the 13th reincarnation of the muchloved character.
She said: “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. It feels incredible.” She also reassured fans to “not be scared by my gender … because this is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change.”
She added: “The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.”
Whittaker, 35, revealed she had told “a lot of lies” in order to keep the announcement secret and had used the codename “Clooney” when discussing the role with her husband and agent.
It will see the actress team up with Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall as he takes over from Steven Moffat as the show’s executive producer.
Asked if she had been given any advice from previous actors who had played the role, Whittaker said: “Well, they can’t because they haven’t known until now, but I’m certainly expecting a couple of calls – I’ve got a couple of mates in there.
“I’m mates with a companion [Arthur Darvill], I’m mates with a trio of Doctors – I know Matt Smith, Chris Eccleston and obviously David Tennant. Oh! And let’s throw in David Bradley! Four Doctors! So I’m hoping I get some calls of advice.”
Chibnall said: “I always knew I wanted the 13th Doctor to be a woman, and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice.”
Peter Capaldi said of his successor in the role: “Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker’s work will know that she is a wonderful actress of great individuality and charm.
“She’s going to be a fantastic Doctor.”
Colin Baker, who played the sixth incarnation of the Doctor, said: “Well I never, the BBC really did do the right thing and let the Doctor be in touch with her feminine side. As a father of daughters – result!