Jodie Whittaker, known for her performance in Broadchurch, is the 13th Doctor on BBC’s long-running sci-fi series, Doctor Who.
Whittaker takes over from Peter Capaldi, who’d played the Doctor since 2013.
Whittaker’s casting as Doctor Who is significant because she is the first woman to play the iconic Time Lord since the series’ inception. While sidekicks of the Doctors have sometimes been female actors, the honour of playing the lead role has always been reserved for men till now.
Chris Chibnall, Doctor Who’s new head writer and executive producer, said: “After months of lists, conversations, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, we’re excited to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor.
“I always knew I wanted the 13th Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice. Her audition for the Doctor simply blew us all away.
“Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength and warmth to the role. The 13th Doctor is on her way.”
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Whittaker said: “I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey – with Chris 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: hope. I can’t wait.”
Reports indicate that the makers are keen on getting a male sidekick for Whittaker’s 13th Doctor. An official announcement is expected soon.
Feature Image Courtesy: Den Of Geek