Steven Moffat thinks too much has been made of the decision to cast Jodie Whittaker as the new Doctor Who.
The 35-year-old actress was recently named as Peter Capaldi’s successor as the iconic Time Lord and Steven, who serves as the showrunner on the BBC programme, believes the vast majority of fans are supportive of the decision to appoint Jodie as the first-ever female Doctor.
Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con on Sunday (23.07.17), he explained: "There has been no backlash at all. The story of the moment is that the notionally conservative ‘Doctor Who’ fandom has utterly embraced that change completely.
"Eighty-percent approval on social media, not that I check these things obsessively.
"So many people wanting to pretend there is a problem. There isn’t. It’s been incredibly progressive and enlightened and that’s what really happened."
And the decision has also received the backing of Peter, who is poised to leave the show at the end of the tenth series.
The 59-year-old actor – who first appeared as the Doctor in 2013 – said: "I think Jodie is going to be amazing. I spoke to her the other day and she’s so full of excitement and passion about the show.
"It’s thrilling to know it’s in the hands of someone who cares for it deeply and is so excited about it. So she’s a great choice for it."
Peter’s exit from the programme will also coincide with that of actress Pearl Mackie, who plays the part of Bill Potts.
However, Pearl has left the door slightly ajar for a possible reappearance at some stage in the future.
She teased: "The Christmas special, last chance to see Bill. But it is ‘Doctor Who’, so never say never."
Doctor Who boss slams critics of Jodie Whittaker’s casting
