Hartnell. Troughton. Pertwee. Baker. Davison. Baker. McCoy. McGann. Eccleston. Tennant. Smith. Capaldi. These names are the 12 men who have taken on one of the most iconic roles in British entertainment – Doctor Who.

Now more than 50 years since the show first debuted on the BBC, the people beyond the now-global juggernaut of a show have made one of the most dramatic decisions in its history by casting the first woman in its leading role.

In a move which has polarised fans, Jodie Whittaker, star of smash hit Broadchurch, will take over the TARDIS when current Doctor Peter Capaldi regenerates on Christmas Day.

As a lifelong Whovian, so much so that I have my very own Dalek, I could not be more delighted with the casting of an actress who will shine in the role as the Timelord.

Doctor Who has always been a show which has been able to shake itself up thanks to the brilliant plot twist which sees the Doctor regenerate.

It means that when its leading man (and now woman) decides to leave, the show always remains on course and is often boosted with a renewed sense of energy and interest.

And the casting of Jodie as the new Doctor will, yet again, provide just that. It is the show shaking itself up, rebooting and reinjecting interest like it has done since its first ever episode and will do so long into the future.

Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor
Jodie Whittaker was revealed as the new Doctor in a teaser trailer shown on BBC on Sunday, July 16

The one thing that has saddened, yet not surprised me, is the ridiculous overreaction on social media to the new appointment.

Tweets and Facebook posts have appeared aplenty, with many bemoaning the casting of a woman and others saying they will not watch again as a result.

What complete rubbish. For a show that allows an alien to change his body into someone else on a regular basis, it is actually quite ridiculous that it has taken this long for a woman to be handed the keys to the Tardis.

These keyboard warriors need to get over it and, if we are all being honest, every single one will be watching on Christmas Day and beyond to enjoy the adventures of the new Doctor.

And it will not just be them. This casting decision will empower people across the globe and also bring Doctor Who to an audience who might have before never been interested.

This is why the casting choice is perfect and showcases that the people behind Doctor Who know exactly what they are doing.

After 50 years of the most successful science fiction show of all time, they don’t make many mistakes and this is yet another great move that will ensure we see the new Doctor and her companions battling the likes of the Daleks and the Cybermen and inspiring generations of people for years to come.