TV series Doctor Who finally announced their first female doctor after 26 seasons on air. Actress Jodie Whittaker landed the lead role and will follow after Peter Capaldi who played the doctor since 2013. In an interview with BBC, Jodie shared her excitement, “It feels completely overwhelming, as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human, as someone who wants to continually push themselves and challenge themselves, and not be boxed in by what you’re told you can and can’t be.”
“I want to tell the fans not to be scared by my gender. This is a really exciting time and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change.”
The show’s executive producer Chris Chibnall committed to making a change in the show. “I always knew I wanted the 13th Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice.” He spoke highly of Jodie, having worked on TV show Broadchurch together.
“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,”
The character transitions from one actor to another through the show’s concept of regeneration into an incarnation. The Doctor takes on a new body and personality when he survives and recovers from a severe injury that would otherwise kill a normal human being.
Peter Capaldi will exit the show during the Christmas special as he regenerates into Jodie, he said he always wanted a woman to replace him. “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.”
[BBC and Refinery29]
Photo courtesy of BBC
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