The new owner of the TARDIS keys has been revealed, and after much excitement it has been revealed that the Time Lord will now return as a woman.
In the teaser trailer played after the Wimbledon men’s singles final on Sunday June, 16, the new Doctor was seen walking through a forest wearing a black cloak before coming across the famous blue police box and revealing her identity – Broadchurch star Jodie Whittaker.
Jodie Whittaker, known for starring in ITV’s Broadchurch, has been cast as the first ever female to take on the role, prompting fans to share their mixed opinions.
South Derbyshire Doctor Who superfan Rob Smyth said: "The announcement that Jodie Whittaker will be the first female Doctor Who is an excellent piece of casting.
"She was great in smash-hit Broadchurch and alongside new showrunner Chris Chibnall will once again breathe new life into the world's longest running science fiction show.
"Despite a small amount of naysayers online, the news has been welcomed by Whovians and I, for one, cannot wait for her to debut following Peter Capaldi's regeneration on Christmas Day."
Celebrities and former stars of the show have tweeted messages of support to Jodie, hitting back at the backlash of a woman being appointed as the latest Doctor.
Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy seems thrilled about the prospect of a female Doctor.
Sixth Doctor Colin Baker shared one of his most famous lines in the role to offer his support to Jodie.
Former companion to the Doctor Karen Gillan tweeted in support of Jodie.
Jodie will take on the role from Peter Capaldi, who will be bowing out in this year’s Christmas Special. She will be joined by Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, who will be Doctor Who’s new showrunner.
The 35-year-old said: “I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey – with Christ and with every Whovian on this planet.
“It’s more than an honour to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: home. I can’t wait.”
Should the new Doctor be a woman?
0+ VOTES SO FAR
This year's Christmas special will be Jodie's first appearance as the Doctor, as well as David Bradley, who will be playing first Doctor William Hartnell.
It’s the first time a woman has taken on the role in the hit sci-fi show, but spoofs have been created featuring a female Doctor. Joanna Lumley starred as the Doctor in a Comic Relief spoof alongside Rowan Atkinson, Hugh Grant and Jim Broadbent in the Curse of the Fatal Death.
Who is Jodie Whittaker?
While many know Jodie Whittaker for playing Beth Lattimer in the ITV hit Broadchurch, she may be a familiar face from other hit shows.
Jodie Whittaker was born in Huddersfield in June, 1982 named after American actress Jodie Foster. She graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where she won a gold medal for acting.
On the box
Her first major role was starring in the hit Venus in 2006, where she played Jessie, and the ditzy receptionist Beverly in the St Trinian’s film series.
She played Ffion in one episode of Charlie Brooker’s critically-acclaimed Black Mirror and appeared in romance hit One Day, alongside Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.
