Doctor Who: Peter Capaldi reacts to Jodie Whittaker female Time Lord announcement
PETER CAPALDI has spoken out following this evening’s announcement that Jodie Whittaker will become the thirteenth person to play the lead Doctor Who role.
Jodie Whittaker is revealed as first female Doctor Who
The departing 59-year-old Time Lord labelled his successor a "wonderful actress" and wished her success in the BBC sci-fi programme.
Whittaker will take over from Capaldi during this year's Christmas Day special.
Capaldi gushed: “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.”
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She's [Jodie Whittaker] going to be a fantastic Doctor
Broadchurch star Whittaker will become the first female actress to take on the role.
However, this casting news left fans divided and prompted the 35-year-old to address those who doubt her.
Whittaker said: "I want to tell fans not to be scared by my gender.
"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.”
She added that it was "an honour" to become the Doctor, explaining: "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."
Doctor Who returns to BBC One on Christmas Day.
