Chris Chibnall "always knew" he wanted a woman to play the new Doctor Who.
Jodie Whittaker has just been announced as the next person to portray the time-travelling alien once Peter Capaldi – who has played the role for four years – steps down during the festive special later this year, but the new executive producer, who has taken over the reins from Steven Moffat, always wanted the lead to be a female.
He explained: "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 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."
And, although the BBC initially said they wouldn’t cast a woman as the Time Lord, they are thrilled that Chibnall decided to make "history" by securing a leading lady.
Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content said: "Making history is what ‘Doctor Who’ is all about and Chris Chibnall’s bold new take on the next Time Lord is exactly that. The nation is going to fall in love with Jodie Whittaker – and have lots of fun too!"
Jodie is best known for playing Beth Latimer in ‘Broadchurch’, the crime drama that was also created by Chibnall but came to an end last month, and can’t wait to get her teeth stuck in to the new role when she begins shooting the new series this year.
She said: "I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey – with Chris and with every Whovian on this planet. It’s more than an honour 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."
Chris Chibnall always wanted woman to be Doctor Who
