BBC Unveils The 13th Incarnation Of ‘Doctor Who’

After the men’s Wimbledon tennis final today, BBC finally showed the world who’d been cast as the new Doctor. The new Doctor is, unfortunately still not a ginger, but will be played for the first time by a woman. Broadchurch star Jodie Whittaker is all set to take over the keys to the Tardis after this year’s Christmas special. Whittaker is replacing Peter Capaldi as the 13th incarnation of the Doctor. Capaldi joined the series back in 2013, and announced his departure after long-time show runner Stephen Moffat also announced his exit from the show. Whittaker will be reunited with Broadchurch Director Chris Chibnall as he takes over for Moffat.

Jodie Whittaker came seemingly out of nowhere to win the role, emerging as a favorite in recent weeks. Whittaker, 35, said it was “overwhelming, as a feminist” to have won the role of the Doctor. The role has been played by a male lead for the entire 50-plus year existence of the show. Ironically enough, the move to a Woman Doctor may have actually been teased during this season’s excellent finale episode. During an exchange with The Doctor, another recurring character from the series dropped a line that seemed to be more foreshadowing than anything. During a discussion with The Doctor, The Master asks, “Is the future all girl?” to which The Doctor responds, “I hope so.”

Fans of the show have long been clamoring for a female incarnation of The Doctor. With a show as diverse as ‘Doctor Who,’ it was only a matter of time before the character changed into someone who wasn’t white and male. Before Capaldi was eventually named as the eleventh Doctor, rumors had started to swirl that the next Doctor would either be black, or a woman.

Capaldi himself had gone on record as saying he’d like to see a woman replace him on the show. Sherlock writer Mark Gatiss also said that it was “the perfect time for a woman to take the role.” Even former Doctor Who companions are voicing their pleasure at the casting choice:

YES ? xx

— Billie Piper (@billiepiper) July 16, 2017

B O O M ? Change isn’t a dirty word!!!! ? #Doctor13 https://t.co/TNmw2qnD1W

— Freema Agyeman (@FreemaOfficial) July 16, 2017

Jodie Jodie Jodie Jodie Jodie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ???

— Karen Gillan (@karengillan) July 16, 2017

I don’t know about you guys, but I am really excited to see a fresh, new take on the role of The Doctor. This announcement pretty much guarantees the Doctor Who Christmas special will be can’t miss!