Doctor Who Reveals Jodie Whittaker as First-Ever Female Doctor

BBC and BBC America have revealed that Jodie Whittaker will be the new Doctor Who.

Whittaker will be the Thirteenth Time Lord, taking over from Peter Capaldi, who leaves the hit show at Christmas. The actress’s TV credits include Broadchurch, Black Mirror, Cranford and The Night Watch. She recently finished shooting Journeyman, written and directed by Paddy Considine, and is the lead in the new BBC drama series Trust Me.

The new head writer and executive producer Chris Chibnall, who takes over from Steven Moffat on the next season, made the decision to cast the first-ever woman in the iconic role. He commented: “After months of lists, conversations, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, we’re excited to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth 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 Thirteenth Doctor is on her way.”

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 honor 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.”

Capaldi said: “Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker’s work will know that she is a wonderful actress of great individuality and charm. She has, above all, the huge heart to play this most special part. She’s going to be a fantastic Doctor.”

Sarah Barnett, the president of BBC America, added: “The fact that there was so much interest in, quite literally, ‘Who?’ speaks volumes about the enduring power of the Doctor Who franchise around the world and for BBC America viewers. We couldn’t be happier to welcome the remarkable Jodie Whittaker as a history-making Thirteenth Doctor and look forward to the continuation of this story.”

Charlotte Moore, the director of BBC Content, said: “Making history is what Doctor Who is all about and Chris Chibnall’s bold new take on the next Time Lord is exactly that. The nation is going to fall in love with Jodie Whittaker—and have lots of fun too!”

Piers Wenger, the controller BBC Drama, remarked: “Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor. She aced it in her audition both technically and with the powerful female life force she brings to the role. She is destined to be an utterly iconic Doctor.”

Matt Strevens, executive producer, said: “I’m so thrilled that Jodie Whittaker said yes to playing the Doctor. I’ve been a fan for years and always hoped to work with her. She is an actor of great emotional range and inhabits every role with complete passion and conviction. Just thinking about what she will bring to the Doctor makes me as excited as a kid at Christmas. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”