Doctor Who: Jodie Whitaker, Peter Capaldi Make First Comments On First Female Doctor

Jodie Whitaker made history today when she was named the Thirteenth Doctor, and first ever female Doctor, in the 50-year history of Doctor Who.

Now Whitaker has also made her first comments as the Doctor, noting what a huge privilege and responsibility it is to be the Doctor.

“I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey – with [Chris Chibnall] and with every Whovian on this planet,” Whitaker tells BBC One. “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.”

“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. It feels incredible,” Whitaker tells Anglophenia of being the first female Doctor.

“I want to tell the fans not to be scared by my gender,” Whitaker adds. “Because this is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change. The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.”

Chibnall is will become the new head writer and executive producer on Doctor Who when the show’s eleventh season debuts. Whitaker was a star on Broadchurch, a show created by Chibnall.

“After months of lists, conversations, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, we’re excited to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor,” Chibnall says. “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.”

Whitaker will take over for Peter Capaldi, who will say his goodbye’s as the Twelfth Doctor in the 2017 Doctor Who Christmas special.

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

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

“Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor,” Piers Wenger, Controller BBC Drama says. “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.”

“I’m so thrilled that Jodie Whittaker said yes to playing the Doctor,” Matt Stevens, Executive Producer says. 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.”

The Doctor Who Christmas Special will air on Christmas Day on BBC One and BBC America.

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