Start with me, says new Time Lord Jodie

JODIE WHITTAKER finally makes her much-heralded screen debut as Doctor Who tonight. Being the first female Doctor has generated an incredible amount of attention and is sure to have a few curious new viewers tuning in. And Jodie says any newcomers don’t need to fear being baffled by Time Travelling lore and all that has occurred over the past half-century and more. “If you’ve never seen the show before, this is a great season to start with,” insists the former Broadchurch star. “It doesn’t need an encyclopedic knowledge of Doctor Who to get into it. “Every time there are new cast members, and new Doctors or new companions, the show is regenerated in a literal sense with the character. “New energy is brought into it. “We wanted to make a series that was very inclusive because, for people like me, we’re all very new Whovians as well. “We’re introduced into this world as new fans will be on this season. “This season is 10 standalone episodes, with contained storylines in every episode. “So you have a huge series character arc for many of the characters. “But if you come in at episode five, you’ll get a stand-alone story which feels like a film, and which stands up amongst all the television that’s available to anyone now.” And co-star Bradley Walsh is sure she’ll be a huge success. “Not only is she an exceptional actress, the energy she brings, is extraordinary,” says Bradley. “To keep up with her is hard work! She leads from the front and she’ll trailblaze for a lot of other shows. “The new series of Doctor Who is forwardthinking, innovative, bold and brave.” Doctor Who, BBC1, tonight, 6.45pm.