The 'Broadchurch' creator says Jodie Whittaker was always the "number one choice".
For years, 'Doctor Who' has led the way when it comes to the sci-fi genre, but lately has come under fire for what many have called lacklustre episodes and low creativity. With current showrunner Steven Moffat headed out of the door, taking current Doctor Peter Capaldi with him, the room for change is wider than ever before. 'Broadchurch' creator Chris Chibnall will replace him behind-the-scenes, with an announcement coming yesterday that Jodie Whittaker would become the Thirteenth Doctor, and the first ever female in the role.
Acclaimed actress Jodie Whittaker is Doctor 13
It's a decision that has split the fan base, though the majority of those who have stuck by the show throughout the past few years are behind the shift in direction. It's always been made clear in the 'Who' universe that the Doctor is an alien species, who chooses to take the form of a human, whether it be a man or a woman. There have been Time Lords in the past and present who are women, who once were men, and vice versa. And for those who say Time Lord is a male title, it's actually a race, rather than having anything to do with gender. Characters have explained in the past that it's used here as a generic term.
It's clear that bringing a female on board is something Chibnall has wanted to do for some time. Speaking following the announcement that Whittaker would take over from Capaldi in the Christmas special and beyond, Chibnall said: "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."
What's most exciting about these words is the clear adoration Chibnall has for Whittaker. With the two working together on three seasons of critically-acclaimed ITV crime drama 'Broadchurch', their chemistry on set is likely above and beyond that of anybody else who may have stepped forward.
Seeing how all of that plays out will likely ensure one of the biggest television events of the past few years. It's an exciting future for Who fans.
More: Pearl Mackie Unsure If She'll Return For 'Doctor Who' Series 11
'Doctor Who' returns for its Christmas special episode later this year, ahead of a whole new series with Whittaker and Chibnall at the helm in 2018.
On the same day that Glastonbury welcomed back Margate's adopted sons, The Libertines, Margate itself put on it's very own Leisure Festival as it...
Sheffield's very own all girl group Pretty Fierce are still on a high after the recent release of their debut single - 'Ready For Me'.
Three nights before the end of his current tour Will Varley returned to his home town of Deal to delight a sold out crowd in The Astor Theatre.
With only a few days to go before Portsmouth based songstress and producer WYSE releases her new single, 'Belladonna', we caught up with her to find...
Colorado raised, Glasgow educated and Manchester based Bay Bryan is nothing if not a multi-talented, multi-faceted artist performing as both...
Former Marigolds band member Keelan Cunningham has rediscovered his love of music with his new solo project Keelan X.
Wiltshire singer-songwriter Luke De Sciscio, formally known as Folk Boy, is set to release is latest album - 'The Banquet' via AntiFragile Music on...
Electronic music pioneer and producer Annie Elise says that the release of her first EP - 'Breathe In, Breathe Out' feels "both vulnerable and...