New Doctor Who says ‘Girls don’t have to settle for being a side-kick’

Jodie Whittaker has said it is a “huge honour” to be able to show children that their television heroes can look different, and to let girls know that they can play Doctor Who’s leading character.

The actress will take on the role of the Doctor in Doctor Who later this year, making history as the first woman to ever play the role.

The Broadchurch star follows in the footsteps of 12 others in the role, all of whom are men, and she said that, while the character has always been attainable, it is now even more so.

Whittaker said: “There’s 0 Jodiewhittakersays being Doctor Who is a huge honour

the chiselled superhero that we’re used to seeing and we’ve all grown up with, but Doctor Who has never been that, which is wonderful. It’s attainable in so many ways.

“And now it isn’t just attainable for half of the population.

“The other half can be the Doctor as well. Girls will no longer just think, ‘Oh, I could be a companion.’

“Being the first female Doctor and showing children that their heroes in shows don’t always look the same is a huge honour for me.”

Whittaker, who follows in the footsteps of the 12th Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, added: “In a way, though, there is liberation in that new direction: the pressure is less for me because I can only do this my way.

“All the rules are out the window. That’s what makes it so fun.”