While there has been some backlash, a lot of fans are very excited about Jodie Whittaker becoming the first female Doctor Who.
The 34-year-old actress, known for shows like Broadchurch, will be the five-decades long sci-fi series’ Thirteenth Time Lord.
She will be taking over from Peter Capaldi, who leaves the show at Christmas.
Alex Kingston, who plays River Song – a character who marries an iteration of the Doctor, was speaking at Super Con in Miami when she found out the news.
When the Whovians told her Whittaker would be taking the iconic role, Kingston responded in the best way.
‘Jodie Whittaker?…’ she said, before making five kissing sounds.
‘Oh my goodness! God, I’m always the damn cradle snatcher.
‘Oh that’s lovely. She’s a really great actress. That’s so exciting! How fabulous’.
Head writer and executive producer, Chris Chibnall, who takes over from Steven Moffat on the next series, made the decision to cast the first ever woman in the iconic role.
In recent months, Doctor Who had its first ever LGBTI sidekick.
Bill is the first openly gay companion
Bill Potts, played by Pearl Mackie, revealed her sexuality in her second line of dialogue in her first episode.
Mackie told the BBC: ‘It shouldn’t be a big deal in the 21st Century. It’s about time isn’t it?
‘That representation is important, especially on a mainstream show.
‘[Being gay] is not the main thing that defines her character – it’s something that’s part of her and something that she’s very happy and very comfortable with,’ she said.
While LGBTI characters have spent time with the Time Lord before, this is the first time the Doctor’s long-running companion is LGBTI.
