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July 16th, 2017 1,093 comments

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Jodie Whittaker Announced As The 13th Doctor

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Please note ALL comments are on moderation and it may take a while before they are put through.


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1,093 comments

  • Anonymous

    July 16th, 2017 - 7:46pm

    Calling the doctor!! Calling any previous incarnations of the doctor!! Your future self is under threat. An organization called BBC and a human called Chris is changing things dramatically and reversing the polarity and changing you to a lady!! Your future hangs in the balance!! Only you can help!!!

    No only joking, will watch with an open mind and probably enjoy it, always takes me time to get use to a new doctor.

    Reply
  • Obsie

    July 16th, 2017 - 7:41pm

    I’ve watched since I was 5yrs old in 1967, I can’t say I’m enamoured to the decision but will give it a go when it returns in Autumn next year. My problem is not with the actress playing her/him but with the character itself. The words “gimmick and political correctness” go through my mind, however, that’s my personal making of the news and must deal with it. I see Chibnall resembling JNT back in the 80’s, hiring “guest stars” who were superfluous to stories. The new producer is in danger of wielding his sword too much and falling on it.

    Reply
  • Doctor Stu

    July 16th, 2017 - 7:37pm

    I don’t understand the PC or box ticking comments. If a writer wants their character to be a woman then they ask for women to audition for the role. If I was writing a film about a gay man and I was going to give him a love interest I would ask for men to audition for the role because that would be my character. I really don’t understand how this is box ticking or a gimmick. Male, straight and white is not a default so I don’t understand how if anything goes against this template it’s branded PC or a gimmick.

    Reply
    • Obsie

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:47pm

      It’s usually a way of gaining attention and interest when something is rapidly falling out of favour, normally appealing to others on a grand scale. Not saying it’s right or wrong but it’s still a ploy used when necessary.

    • Tim M

      July 16th, 2017 - 9:46pm

      It’s been going a long time now Doctor Who, even since 2005. Could this be the ‘Jump the Shark’ moment. Of course if it doesn’t work out, it could always be a dream.

    • Obsie

      July 16th, 2017 - 10:53pm

      It could very well be that scenario, it seems to have fortunately occurred when the movie dared suggest that The Doctor was half human. While it may have been hinted at in Hell Bent as well, it was luckily dismissed and this time for good.

  • Tim M

    July 16th, 2017 - 7:33pm

    The 13th Doctor will be having very interesting questions to answer if she ever meets Susan or River Song.

    Reply
    • pats86

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:38pm

      And her wife and children?

    • R1ch1e

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:40pm

      They could do but they’ll be familiar with the concept of regeneration and it’s possibilities, especially River

    • Anonymous

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:47pm

      Does it now mean that Susan has two grandmothers

    • pats86

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:38pm

      Depends if she is still female or not.

    • Shaun

      July 16th, 2017 - 9:01pm

      Hmm – it would be interesting if the 13th Doctor teamed up with Susan, who was now male! ‘Oh, Grandmother’!!!

  • Clive Dunslett

    July 16th, 2017 - 7:32pm

    Doctor Who a woman? Well done BBC your political correctness knows no bounds, looking forward to a remake of the Patricia Routledge vehicle “Harry Wainthrop Investigates” and the new remake of “The Prime of Mister Jim Brody” great stuff. Keep up the good work your viewers dwindle by the hour. While I’m here how about “Alan in Wonderland” and “Alan through the Looking Glass”?

    Reply
    • pats86

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:52pm

      What about John Eyre, Jim Tennison, Larry Croft Tomb Raider, Craig Starling, Kevin Eversden, Martin Poppins, David Scully, Prince Liam, or Roger instead of Ripley in Alien?

    • koloth

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:04pm

      Ripley was originally written as a man.

    • Kendo

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:16pm

      When there was talk of a woman doctor in the 80s Patricia Routledge was always my choice!!!

    • booboo

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:20pm

      excellent

      “This is the lady of The Tardis Speaking”

    • pats86

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:41pm

      The Doctor was originally written for a man and has been up until today?

  • Pusher

    July 16th, 2017 - 7:31pm

    If TV and film are enthusistic for gender swaps for leading roles, why don’t they recast princess leia as a man since carrie fisher has gone, there needs to be a balance to all this recasting otherwise TV and film looks to be under seige from a feminist invasion. This does feel a bit pushed, as i’d imagine that ordinary women wouldn’t care one way or the other let alone push for this. All we all want is for doctor who to become a great show once again as it was 10 years ago.

    Reply
    • The Temporal Jelly Baby

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:23pm

      Difference is, Princess Leia isn’t from an advanced alien race that can change all the cells in their body.

    • pats86

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:44pm

      No but her dad was advanced in the way of the force! And could wipe out the whole Time Lord race if he wanted to. And we wouldn’t be having this conversation then

  • Lightningboy

    July 16th, 2017 - 7:16pm

    Capaldi was always going to be virtually impossible to better – Personally i’m quite happy – She’s unknown to me which is preferable to a female tv star whom i’d probably already find annoying…give the girl a chance!
    The only thing i’d really like to see now is a return to the classic Tardis white interior..the current incarnation is way too H.G.Wells-ish.

    Reply
    • Tim M

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:34pm

      Maybe a female was cast so that people that have disliked Capaldi will now appreciate him more?

    • The Moffat Paradox

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:53pm

      Well Tim M probably like you I was delighted with Peter Capaldi as a more grown up take on the character harking back to the earliest Doctors.Now I’m recoiling at this and wonder if it will ever get beyond at best novelty value for ratings.

    • Tim M

      July 16th, 2017 - 9:08pm

      Whilst I’m not bothered that the Doctor is female, as it all depends on her acting ability and especially the writing. It does feel a bit like a JNT mid 80’s publicity stunt.

  • mick

    July 16th, 2017 - 7:09pm

    this reminds me of the ghostbusters reboot last year and all the hate that came with it.

    Reply
    • booboo

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:13pm

      I really enjoyed the film, but not some of the totally unnecessary “jokes”, it lost $70m

      Doctor Who just needs to get on and produce some terrific sci-fi drama now, with the right stories and supporting cast.

    • Gary NU

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:22pm

      Getting into the whole Ghostbusters debate they just shouldn’t have remade it the original was perfect and any reboot would have been naff even if they’d done it with fellas instead

  • Boglin

    July 16th, 2017 - 7:05pm

    I’ll wait till her first series before judgement I didn’t mind the idea of the doctor being a woman but when I saw the clip I didn’t like it it felt odd. But until we see her in action …..wonder if the tardis interior will change as well? As long as the stories get better that’s all that really matters.

    Reply
    • The Outcast

      July 17th, 2017 - 4:03am

      ^ This was my reaction.
      And in answer of your TARDIS interior question, I am 99% sure it will.

  • Harold Saxon

    July 16th, 2017 - 7:01pm

    The clip is on I player too

    Reply
  • prototype dalek

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:52pm

    One main thing I don’t agree on is that comments are being deleted on Facebook and YouTube (not my own) that are negative, if what the BBC say a female Doctor is to move it in to the 21st Century then deleting comments and only keeping positive ones is going backward personally, that’s just taking away free speech and opinions that you don’t agree with, bit dictorial.

    Reply
    • booboo

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:59pm

      they might be deleted because of follow up comments, the hostility i have seen is frightening

    • prototype dalek

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:13pm

      Must admit, I didn’t see this much coming at all.

    • Koquillian

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:09pm

      i do believe it is a tipping point for many fans including myself. I’ll give her a change, of course, but i’m fed up of the PC rubbish that has been going around the show recently. From all the Bill is gay stuff and the black Victorian soldiers it really showed how infested the show is with ‘social justice.’ The way the feminists and SJWs in our community have adopted this and are harassing anyone who disagrees with the decision is truly horrid. The same thing happened in the comic community and it has almost destroyed it.

    • Borg

      July 21st, 2017 - 1:56am

      Exactly, heaven forbid we go an episode with Bill and not hear the ‘l’ word-lesbian.

  • Harold Saxon

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:51pm

    Hooray for the lass from Yorkshire ! Liked her in broadchurch bring it on

    Reply
  • Harold Saxon

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:49pm

    I’m fairly pleased and I like the actress it’s a bold move for the Beeb but hey give her a chance she’s a good actress , i wonder if companion will be male now and back to male master too !

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:10pm

      I hope they don’t go down the “bill falls in love with the doctor” route if they bring her back

    • Tim M

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:36pm

      Bring back Adric or Adam as her companion.

  • Tony Betts

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:46pm

    I have watched Dr Who since childhood and until recently had always been entertained by the show. I have especially enjoyed it since it came back as it looks as though this time round money had been thrown at it and the stories were bigger and better.
    I have not been a fan of Peter Capaldi’s Doctor, fine actor though he is. I just never warmed to his portrayal, so was excited by the prospect of seeing a new actor coming in. There had been hints in the press of what was coming but in all honesty, I just hoped these would be found to be untrue, then came today’s revelation. I am very disappointed to say the least.
    Terry Nation’s idea was of an eccentric old man, travelling through time with his grandaughter or companions but he was always a male time lord. To alter this after over 50 years seems wrong. I think it will drastically alter the dynamics of the show. The Doctor has always been a man, that is how it should stay, that’s how it should be. I’m not a sexist or have some silly hatred for women, I just don’t buy the idea of the Doctor suddenly becoming a woman, it just doesn’t make sense.
    I think personally that this is a very bad decision by the Producers of the show and one which I think they’ll later regret. I don’t think the legions of fan’s will welcome it either. I sincerely hope that the powers that be behind the scene’s will rethink this decision before Christmas, otherwise the show just might loose a lot of viewers in the process. I like Jodie Whittaker, she is a great actress, she’s just not Dr Who for me

    Reply
    • Dreeves

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:23pm

      What’s Terry Nation got to do with it? He didn’t create Doctor Who. I love the choice. She’s going to own it. Give it one series and we will forget the Doctor was a man!!! Everyone hated Matt Smith before they saw him. He got loads of abuse. If you’re not happy, don’t watch it. But it’s your loss!!!

    • R1ch1e

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:42pm

      I agree Dreeves. She will be awesome

    • Tony Betts

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:46pm

      Dreeves you are correct about Terry Nation, that is a mistake on my part, although he certainly was involved with the series early on. I do not dislike Jodie Whittaker, she is a good actress, I just do not buy into the idea that the Doctor after so many years suddenly regenerates into a woman, it doesn’t make sense. For my part, a person growing up watching since the 60’s, I cannot see the Doctor as a woman, not now, not ever. But you and R1ch1e are entitled to your opinions

    • Adam

      July 16th, 2017 - 9:49pm

      Well put Tony Betts and i agree…don’t try and fix what ain’t broken! It looks like the BBC have run out of ideas and are trying to reinvent it…

  • T.A

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:46pm

    Hopefully Chris can get this right. I’m saying this because he has not written the best episodes of dr who. Like 42, dinosaurs on a spaceship and the power of three. Don’t forget what design he had for a cyberwoman in Torchwood. Also this is not broadchruch it’s is Doctor who. In my opinion Toby Whithouse should have taken over not Chris.

    Reply
    • Adam

      July 16th, 2017 - 10:00pm

      Maybe Toby was asked but was too busy or he just turned it down? I was never a fan of Chibnall as show runner and after today’s events i do hope it’s a short tenure so we can have the good doctor back again..

    • T.A

      July 16th, 2017 - 10:07pm

      He can only hope.

  • mick

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:41pm

    would love to see donna nobles take on it. lol

    Reply
  • doctor who fan 11

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:38pm

    i wasn’t looking forward to the thought of the doctor changing gender. but now its actually happening I’m kind of on board, and can imagine a very funny regeneration scene at Christmas with Capaldi changing and realising he’s a woman.

    my only queries are:
    . will the next doctor be a woman. will they stick with the doctor a woman and never change him to a male until like 50 years time, or will they just have the one and never have a woman again so she looks odd.
    . will the next companion be male or female.(I’m hoping male)

    But overall really looking forward to see how it works.

    Reply
  • Doctor no more

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:38pm

    I think the doctor should remain a man as he’s the doctor. I didn’t like the master becoming missy and thank goodness John simm is back? Pc brigade again
    Was looking forward to seeing a well known face but I think the ratings will drop even more now.

    Reply
    • Borg

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:03pm

      I sincerely hope they drastically drop.

    • The Moffatt Paradox

      July 19th, 2017 - 1:37am

      Viewing figures impaired!

      EMMERGENCY,EMMERGENCY,EMMERGENCY!!!

  • Prof Horner

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:35pm

    And she is a Yorkshire girl too, even better!

    Reply
    • pats86

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:40pm

      She definitely has that going for her
      YORKSHIRE
      YORKSHIRE
      YORKSHIRE

  • Prof Horner

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:33pm

    Oh dear ! All the Daily mail reading , brexit voting little Englanders , are having a field day .
    Give the lady a chance. . I am sure she is going to be great!

    Reply
    • Doctor Stu

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:45pm

      I always look at the daily mail after there’s an lgbt milestone or anything like this so I can laugh at the stupid comments

    • Gaze

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:39pm

      What’s voting for Brexit got to do with a woman doctor?

    • Daily mail united

      July 16th, 2017 - 7:41pm

      Everybody has their own opinion and just because it doesn’t agree with yours you shouldn’t mock it, it makes you just as bad

  • Tim M

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:27pm

    Look on the bright side folks. At least it’s Jodie Whittaker, and not Jodie Marsh. 🙂

    Reply
    • T.A

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:29pm

      True say

  • T.M

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:27pm

    I must confess I’m not so fond of gender swapping characters because I feel it is unnecessary, unless it’s to make the number of male and female actors more equal. At first I was unpleased with the decision to make the Master a female but I got use to Missy because of the name and personality change that made her feel more like a separate character to the Master. Considering in the original plan the Doctor should only regenerate 12 times( so 13 actors) and we have had 13 male actors for the Doctor so maybe a female Doctor won’t be so bad. Although personally I think I would have preferred they made a spin off series about Romana.

    Reply
  • Anonymous

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:12pm

    Can’t believe it’s a women I’ve followed this all my adult life and really enjoy it I think the role should be man always a man I’m a female and no way should this role be a female I won’t be watching it at all now completely ruined the fantasy for me

    Reply
    • Jackson

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:35pm

      Give Jodie the chance she deserves.

    • 12th Doctor Fan

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:55pm

      I’ll watch and give her a chance but not happy. She won’t be my Doctor anyway 14 will be along if I really don’t like, no blu rays though.

  • The Moffat Paradox

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:10pm

    And if it REALLY BAD fans could as Star Trek fans have crowdfund their own not for profit online productions.

    Reply
  • Mick181

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:09pm

    The Doctor is a Alien how do we know he/she is an Man?

    Reply
  • Doctor Stu

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:08pm

    The DW YouTube page has over 11,000 people who have liked the introduction clip and 3,000 who dislike it so it’s safe to say the majority of people are on board with the decision

    Reply
    • prototype dalek

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:10pm

      I think the best way to judge it is by episode one, social media can be unreliable

    • Nigel M

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:15pm

      Translate that into viewing figures and the show will lose over a fifth of it’s audience which I make to be over a million people.

    • prototype dalek

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:18pm

      I certainly do believe that the ratings will drop in the next series, just not sure by how many

    • When The Doctor Was Me

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:36pm

      I think ratings will soar. Everyone will flock to see the debut of the first female doctor. Then the ratings will either plumit or stay level. Its male or break now.

    • prototype dalek

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:38pm

      I don’t think stay level, they will either soar or crash I think

    • The Temporal Jelly Baby

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:53pm

      I think ‘make or break’ sums it up perfectly. The viewing figures will probably be very high at first and the subsequent ratings and the future of the show will largely depend on the first one or two episodes of series 11.

    • Borg

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:06pm

      I was one of the people who proudly disliked. I can’t believe this, and I can’t believe that I want my favorite show to fail even more.

    • The Outcast

      July 17th, 2017 - 4:26am

      The only thing I want is a good show and an increase in how many figures we get per year.

    • booboo

      July 17th, 2017 - 5:42am

      question is which isle do toys r us put them in

      taking that aside, if this is going to work i think figures need to be got out to coincide with the show, not 2 years down the line

      the downside is retailers may want to wait to see how this goes down before committing to any new range

      This is a big change from a merchandise as well as the show

  • R1ch1e

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:07pm

    I think that this is an inspired piece of casting. I have been a Doctor Who can now for 29 years and I don’t think I have ever been more thrilled!
    We are all allowed our opinions because we are all very passionate about the well being of our show but I would just say to anybody who is unsure to just give her a chance!
    I want to commend Chris Chibnall on making such a bold decision and wish both him and Jodie ALL the very best from the bottom of my heart!

    Reply
  • Mike25

    July 16th, 2017 - 6:05pm

    Well, goodbye and good luck.

    Reply
    • Borg

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:07pm

      I’m with this guy. Bye bye Doctor Who. After 54 years (the golden age) here comes the dark ages.

  • Anonymous

    July 16th, 2017 - 5:59pm

    Love this choice. Shes a fantastic actor.
    For all those complaining about her because the doctor has always been a man think about this. Once upon a time the doctor had always been William Hartnell then one day this changed. Now this has changed to. Doctor Who is a show about change. If it didn’t change it would’ve ended decades ago.
    In terms of story this makes complete sense. If your changing every cell in your body, rewriting every single one why wouldn’t that include your chromosomes. It doesn’t make sense that the doctors always been male.
    Every single regeneration since 4 there has been rumours about a female doctor. Its good to finally get it over with and day yes the doctor can be a woman so we can stop a debate that’s been going on for decades.

    Reply
    • Jackson

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:04pm

      I agree completely! Doctor Who is only with us today because of change, and we should be grateful that it is being led by people courageous and open-minded enough to push the programme into the 21st century.

      It’s about time!

    • Lorraine

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:06pm

      Yes great choice about time the Doctor was a woman welcome home Jodie!

    • Lorraine

      August 11th, 2017 - 1:24pm

      How interesting – I post as Lorraine and this is not me! I am anti a female doctor. Guess there could be more Lorraine’s on line here!

  • Exterminator

    July 16th, 2017 - 5:55pm

    I wish Jodie Whittaker luck, I hope she’s not superstitious being unlucky number 13! I’m sure she’ll be great.

    Remember, having a female Doctor Who on tv is better than having NO Doctor Who on tv!

    I absolutely loved what Michelle Gomez did with the Master character so I’m sure everything will be ok. Let’s give her a chance and show her some love and support.

    Reply
    • Tim M

      July 16th, 2017 - 6:30pm

      It’s even more a pity that Michelle Gomez didn’t stay on as the Master/Missy, now that we have a female Doctor.

    • Exterminator

      July 16th, 2017 - 8:35pm

      Agreed.

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