Review The Whittaker Doctor
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Even thought it's pretty clear that River Song's story is done, now I want to see her back to see how well she and Jodie work together.
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Chris Chibnall.....
Doctor Omega
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Creator Of ‘Doctor Who’ Suggested Female Star — In 1986
Who, exactly, is Doctor Who?
It’s simple, really: An apparently immortal alien who can time travel, likes to get into trouble, get out of it with the use of his sonic screwdriver (don’t ask), and, ideally, fight for the rights and wellbeing of the oppressed along the way. Oh, yes, and every time the Doctor ages, is wounded, or is otherwise confronted with mortality, he simply acquires a new physical appearance, and personality to match.
Come December, for the first time, “he” will become a “she.”
The Doctor’s 13th incarnation will be played the actress Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to take on the role, who will replace Peter Capaldi at the end of the show’s 2017 Christmas special.
For many of the show’s fans, it’s about time.
But according to the show’s creator, Sydney Newman, it was time nearly 30 years ago.
Newman, the Canadian-born son of Russian-Jewish immigrants, took charge of the BBC’s drama department in 1962. The first episode of “Doctor Who,” which he created to fill an under-utilized Saturday afternoon slot, aired the following year.
The show captured the United Kingdom’s imagination, but by the 1980s had lost its steam. As The Telegraph reported in 2010, Newman declared that the only way to revitalize it was to give it a female lead.
Why? The show, he thought, could be better crafted for younger audiences.
“Don’t you agree that this is considerably more worthy of the BBC than Doctor Who’s presently largely socially valueless, escapist schlock!,” he appealed.
(Yes, schlock.)
“At a later stage Doctor Who should be metamorphosed into a woman,” Newman advised.
He made his petition to Michael Grade, who at the time ran the channel BBC One. But his idea fell on deaf ears, and the show’s original series ended in 1989. Its reboot debuted in 2005.
Newman had one other piece of advice for Grade, on the idea of a woman playing the Doctor:
"Her character should not resemble a flashy, Hollywood Wonder Women because this kind of heroine with no flaws is a bore.”
No word on whether the modern BBC will take his advice, but if they do, it’s safe to say Whittaker won’t be eliciting comparisons to star-of-the-moment Gal Gadot. But maybe — just maybe — one day the two will meet. We wonder if the space-time continuum could bear the excitement.
Who, exactly, is Doctor Who?
It’s simple, really: An apparently immortal alien who can time travel, likes to get into trouble, get out of it with the use of his sonic screwdriver (don’t ask), and, ideally, fight for the rights and wellbeing of the oppressed along the way. Oh, yes, and every time the Doctor ages, is wounded, or is otherwise confronted with mortality, he simply acquires a new physical appearance, and personality to match.
Come December, for the first time, “he” will become a “she.”
The Doctor’s 13th incarnation will be played the actress Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to take on the role, who will replace Peter Capaldi at the end of the show’s 2017 Christmas special.
For many of the show’s fans, it’s about time.
But according to the show’s creator, Sydney Newman, it was time nearly 30 years ago.
Newman, the Canadian-born son of Russian-Jewish immigrants, took charge of the BBC’s drama department in 1962. The first episode of “Doctor Who,” which he created to fill an under-utilized Saturday afternoon slot, aired the following year.
The show captured the United Kingdom’s imagination, but by the 1980s had lost its steam. As The Telegraph reported in 2010, Newman declared that the only way to revitalize it was to give it a female lead.
Why? The show, he thought, could be better crafted for younger audiences.
“Don’t you agree that this is considerably more worthy of the BBC than Doctor Who’s presently largely socially valueless, escapist schlock!,” he appealed.
(Yes, schlock.)
“At a later stage Doctor Who should be metamorphosed into a woman,” Newman advised.
He made his petition to Michael Grade, who at the time ran the channel BBC One. But his idea fell on deaf ears, and the show’s original series ended in 1989. Its reboot debuted in 2005.
Newman had one other piece of advice for Grade, on the idea of a woman playing the Doctor:
"Her character should not resemble a flashy, Hollywood Wonder Women because this kind of heroine with no flaws is a bore.”
No word on whether the modern BBC will take his advice, but if they do, it’s safe to say Whittaker won’t be eliciting comparisons to star-of-the-moment Gal Gadot. But maybe — just maybe — one day the two will meet. We wonder if the space-time continuum could bear the excitement.
Doctor Omega
Member: Rank 10
The Guardian view on the Time Lord: Nurse Who?
The response to Jodie Whittaker as the new Doctor has been beyond parody. But it will take more than a female Time Lord to change the world
One of the purposes of fiction, on the page or in film or TV, is to reflect life back at us. When it is good, it can even influence the way the reader or viewer experiences it: many will be familiar with the experience of the voice of a novel or (less often) a film’s protagonist sounding in their head as they live their different lives. The BBC has always recognised the power of character as more than a vehicle for a plot, and assumed that part of its remit can be the responsibility for portraying different experiences of life in a way that is both absorbing and in some way serving the national interest.
That was part of the reason for inventing Doctor Who: while a generation earlier, the Archers gently led an innately conservative section of the country towards agricultural innovation, in the 60s the Doctor and his Tardis were meant to inspire a generation of young scientists to fan the heat of the technological revolution. Old, male scientists, that is, with young women as kind of lab technicians in support. (It was a world where Delia Derbyshire, the sound engineer who created the series’ first electronic signature tune, was denied royalties.)
It is not the idea of BBC entertainment sometimes having an embedded educational purpose itself that is odd, it is that it has taken until the 13th Time Lord to recognise its inherently discriminatory message and reposition itself. At last, saving the world can be done by a woman. She will be as able as Peter Capaldi to rewrite code while dodging life-threatening attack, although it will be more interesting if she manages to think her way out of violence before she is actually in it. The next generation of Doctor Who writers must learn to imagine their new hero as a woman as well as a Time Lord. Maybe Hermione Granger meets Diana of Themyscira, striving to end all war (in theory at least) with loyalty and intelligence as well as astonishing physical power.
Meanwhile the reaction to the announcement that Jodie Whittaker is the 13th Time Lord has been beyond parody: on Twitter, the Tardis has been driven into the second floor of a building under the caption: “She’s only had it for five minutes.” Others show the world engulfed in flames. Elsewhere, the Mail fears that male heroes are being exterminated by political correctness and others are lamenting childhood memories cruelly traduced. A female Doctor will surely save the world, but she won’t be able to make it gender blind on her own.
The response to Jodie Whittaker as the new Doctor has been beyond parody. But it will take more than a female Time Lord to change the world
One of the purposes of fiction, on the page or in film or TV, is to reflect life back at us. When it is good, it can even influence the way the reader or viewer experiences it: many will be familiar with the experience of the voice of a novel or (less often) a film’s protagonist sounding in their head as they live their different lives. The BBC has always recognised the power of character as more than a vehicle for a plot, and assumed that part of its remit can be the responsibility for portraying different experiences of life in a way that is both absorbing and in some way serving the national interest.
That was part of the reason for inventing Doctor Who: while a generation earlier, the Archers gently led an innately conservative section of the country towards agricultural innovation, in the 60s the Doctor and his Tardis were meant to inspire a generation of young scientists to fan the heat of the technological revolution. Old, male scientists, that is, with young women as kind of lab technicians in support. (It was a world where Delia Derbyshire, the sound engineer who created the series’ first electronic signature tune, was denied royalties.)
It is not the idea of BBC entertainment sometimes having an embedded educational purpose itself that is odd, it is that it has taken until the 13th Time Lord to recognise its inherently discriminatory message and reposition itself. At last, saving the world can be done by a woman. She will be as able as Peter Capaldi to rewrite code while dodging life-threatening attack, although it will be more interesting if she manages to think her way out of violence before she is actually in it. The next generation of Doctor Who writers must learn to imagine their new hero as a woman as well as a Time Lord. Maybe Hermione Granger meets Diana of Themyscira, striving to end all war (in theory at least) with loyalty and intelligence as well as astonishing physical power.
Meanwhile the reaction to the announcement that Jodie Whittaker is the 13th Time Lord has been beyond parody: on Twitter, the Tardis has been driven into the second floor of a building under the caption: “She’s only had it for five minutes.” Others show the world engulfed in flames. Elsewhere, the Mail fears that male heroes are being exterminated by political correctness and others are lamenting childhood memories cruelly traduced. A female Doctor will surely save the world, but she won’t be able to make it gender blind on her own.
Doctor Omega
Member: Rank 10
BBC hits back against complaints over Jodie Whittaker’s casting as first female Doctor Who
The broadcaster has praised the actress’s ‘bold and brilliant’ vision for the character
The BBC complaints department has hit back against objections to the casting of actress Jodie Whittaker as the next Doctor Who.
Since it was revealed, after much speculation, that the next incarnation of the BBC’s iconic timelord character would indeed be a woman, reactions to Whittaker’s casting have been largely positive.
However, there has been a small minority of fans who feel a female Doctor is just too farfetched for a show about a shapeshifting alien who travels through time in a spaceship shaped like a police phone box.
Some even felt so strongly against the casting that they complained to the BBC about Whittaker's appointment.
But the broadcaster’s complaints department wasn’t having any of it and issued a statement firmly shutting down the objections against the actress and praising her ‘bold and brilliant’ vision for the character.
Here’s the statement in full:
"Complaint:
Some viewers contacted us unhappy that Jodie Whittaker has been cast as the new Doctor.
Response:
Since the first Doctor regenerated back in 1966, the concept of the Doctor as a constantly evolving being has been central to the programme. The continual input of fresh ideas and new voices across the cast and the writing and production teams has been key to the longevity of the series.
The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey and it has been established in the show that Time Lords can switch gender.
As the Controller of BBC Drama has said, Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor. She aced it in her audition both technically and with the powerful female life force she brings to the role. She is destined to be an utterly iconic Doctor.
We hope viewers will enjoy what we have in store for the continuation of the story."
The Broadchurch star herself has spoken out about the controversy surrounding her appointment, imploring fans “not to be scared” by her gender.
Instead she hoped viewers would find the change "exciting”, commenting: "This is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change. The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.”
Whittaker will take over the role from current Doctor Peter Capaldi following the Christmas special later this year.
The broadcaster has praised the actress’s ‘bold and brilliant’ vision for the character
The BBC complaints department has hit back against objections to the casting of actress Jodie Whittaker as the next Doctor Who.
Since it was revealed, after much speculation, that the next incarnation of the BBC’s iconic timelord character would indeed be a woman, reactions to Whittaker’s casting have been largely positive.
However, there has been a small minority of fans who feel a female Doctor is just too farfetched for a show about a shapeshifting alien who travels through time in a spaceship shaped like a police phone box.
Some even felt so strongly against the casting that they complained to the BBC about Whittaker's appointment.
But the broadcaster’s complaints department wasn’t having any of it and issued a statement firmly shutting down the objections against the actress and praising her ‘bold and brilliant’ vision for the character.
Here’s the statement in full:
"Complaint:
Some viewers contacted us unhappy that Jodie Whittaker has been cast as the new Doctor.
Response:
Since the first Doctor regenerated back in 1966, the concept of the Doctor as a constantly evolving being has been central to the programme. The continual input of fresh ideas and new voices across the cast and the writing and production teams has been key to the longevity of the series.
The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey and it has been established in the show that Time Lords can switch gender.
As the Controller of BBC Drama has said, Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor. She aced it in her audition both technically and with the powerful female life force she brings to the role. She is destined to be an utterly iconic Doctor.
We hope viewers will enjoy what we have in store for the continuation of the story."
The Broadchurch star herself has spoken out about the controversy surrounding her appointment, imploring fans “not to be scared” by her gender.
Instead she hoped viewers would find the change "exciting”, commenting: "This is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change. The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.”
Whittaker will take over the role from current Doctor Peter Capaldi following the Christmas special later this year.
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Doctor Omega
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BBC’s Tony Hall confirms Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker will be paid the same as Peter Capaldi after salary storm
Hall said there would be “parity” between the two actors
New Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker will be paid the same as current Time Lord Peter Capaldi, according to BBC Director-General Tony Hall.
He told the Evening Standard there would be “parity” between the two actors as the corporation was forced to deal with claims of sexism after the publication of its pay report revealed a huge gender gap.
Whittaker’s agent declined to comment but the files, published yesterday, showed Capaldi was paid between £200,000 and £249,999 for 2016/17 while he was playing the title role in the cult show.
Hall said he was “incredibly excited” about Whittaker’s appointment, adding: “And I do think it is time for 13th Time Lord to be a woman.”
In an interview with the Standard he said: "Yes, there is parity for the same amount of work.
"And I do think it is time for 13th Time Lord to be a woman. I watched my first Doctor Who in the Sixties, hiding behind the sofa. As a devoted Whovian, I’m incredibly excited."
The BBC admitted some viewers had complained about the casting for the former Broadchurch star but defended the actress, telling fans: “The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey and it has been established in the show that Time Lords can switch gender.”
Hall said there would be “parity” between the two actors
New Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker will be paid the same as current Time Lord Peter Capaldi, according to BBC Director-General Tony Hall.
He told the Evening Standard there would be “parity” between the two actors as the corporation was forced to deal with claims of sexism after the publication of its pay report revealed a huge gender gap.
Whittaker’s agent declined to comment but the files, published yesterday, showed Capaldi was paid between £200,000 and £249,999 for 2016/17 while he was playing the title role in the cult show.
Hall said he was “incredibly excited” about Whittaker’s appointment, adding: “And I do think it is time for 13th Time Lord to be a woman.”
In an interview with the Standard he said: "Yes, there is parity for the same amount of work.
"And I do think it is time for 13th Time Lord to be a woman. I watched my first Doctor Who in the Sixties, hiding behind the sofa. As a devoted Whovian, I’m incredibly excited."
The BBC admitted some viewers had complained about the casting for the former Broadchurch star but defended the actress, telling fans: “The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey and it has been established in the show that Time Lords can switch gender.”
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Could Kris Marshall be joining Doctor Who after all?
Will the former Death in Paradise star be cast as Jodie Whittaker's companion in space and timey-wimey?
Here’s a thought for Whovians: Thirteenth Doctor favourite Kris Marshall may have missed out on taking control of the Tardis, but could the former Death in Paradise star become Jodie Whittaker’s companion on Doctor Who?
Just maybe. An unnamed 'source' recently suggested to The Sun that Marshall is being lined up as the next assistant, saying: “Kris is a big fan of the show and the BBC are a big fan of his.”
Okay, this unconfirmed story is few lightyears from anything solid, with the BBC offering no hints on the show's future. And remember, the incorrect rumours about Kris Marshall replacing Peter Capaldi on the sci-fi show originated from a similar unnamed source.
However, doesn’t Whittaker’s casting as the Thirteenth Doctor make a male companion more likely? Wouldn’t the BBC want Doctor Who’s leading double act to be a mix of genders to appeal to many as possible? And if so, could that companion be Marshall?
After all, although the star's bumbling acting style we’ve seen in Death in Paradise and Love Actually might not suit The Doctor’s character – normally a head-strong omniscient type – it could lend itself perfectly to a grounded companion.
But, then again, there may not be a need for a new assistant. Pearl Mackie, who played Bill through season 10 has said she’d want to come back to the show, and Matt Lucas’ Nardole is still alive and roaming the Whoniverse.
Here’s just hoping if a new assistant is announced we won’t have to sit through more months of speculation – and another Wimbledon final – to find out if it’s Marshall or not.
Doctor Who will return to BBC1 this Christmas
Will the former Death in Paradise star be cast as Jodie Whittaker's companion in space and timey-wimey?
Here’s a thought for Whovians: Thirteenth Doctor favourite Kris Marshall may have missed out on taking control of the Tardis, but could the former Death in Paradise star become Jodie Whittaker’s companion on Doctor Who?
Just maybe. An unnamed 'source' recently suggested to The Sun that Marshall is being lined up as the next assistant, saying: “Kris is a big fan of the show and the BBC are a big fan of his.”
Okay, this unconfirmed story is few lightyears from anything solid, with the BBC offering no hints on the show's future. And remember, the incorrect rumours about Kris Marshall replacing Peter Capaldi on the sci-fi show originated from a similar unnamed source.
However, doesn’t Whittaker’s casting as the Thirteenth Doctor make a male companion more likely? Wouldn’t the BBC want Doctor Who’s leading double act to be a mix of genders to appeal to many as possible? And if so, could that companion be Marshall?
After all, although the star's bumbling acting style we’ve seen in Death in Paradise and Love Actually might not suit The Doctor’s character – normally a head-strong omniscient type – it could lend itself perfectly to a grounded companion.
But, then again, there may not be a need for a new assistant. Pearl Mackie, who played Bill through season 10 has said she’d want to come back to the show, and Matt Lucas’ Nardole is still alive and roaming the Whoniverse.
Here’s just hoping if a new assistant is announced we won’t have to sit through more months of speculation – and another Wimbledon final – to find out if it’s Marshall or not.
Doctor Who will return to BBC1 this Christmas
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Two former Doctors clash over Jodie Whittaker casting
Two ex-Time Lords have had a war of words over Jodie Whittaker being cast as TV's first female Doctor.
Peter Davison, who played the Doctor from 1981 to 1984, said he "liked the idea" of a male Doctor and that he felt "a bit sad" the character might no longer be "a role model for boys".
His comments were promptly dubbed "rubbish" by his successor Colin Baker.
"You don't have to be of a gender to be a role model," said the actor, who portrayed the Doctor from 1984 to 1986.
"Can't you be a role model as people?"
Baker, the father of four daughters, said the BBC show's 54-year history had given young male viewers plenty of figures to emulate.
"They've had 50 years of having a role model," said the 74-year-old. "So sorry Peter, you're talking rubbish there - absolute rubbish."
Davison - whose own daughter Georgina is married to David Tennant, another ex-Doctor - accepted "you need to open it up" and that he was "maybe an old-fashioned dinosaur".
The news that Whittaker will inherit the Tardis from Peter Capaldi this Christmas has been a major talking point at the San Diego event.
John Barrowman asked fans to give the Broadchurch actress a chance while making his own Comic-Con appearance on Thursday.
"If we buy into the world of Doctor Who... it doesn't say that he will be a he all the time," said the actor.
Barrowman, who played Captain Jack Harkness in the programme and its spin-off Torchwood, donned a glittery mini-dress modelled on the Tardis while appearing at the San Diego Convention Centre.
Closer to home, Whittaker's casting as the 13th Doctor continues to animate other former stars of the long-running series.
Freema Agyeman, another former companion of the TV time-traveller, said she was "overjoyed" that a woman had finally landed the role.
"I feel like standing on top of a rooftop and shouting for joy," said the actress, who confessed to being "astounded" by the "furore" that the casting announcement had generated.
"The strength of the show and the reason for its longevity is the way it keeps changing and shifting," she told the BBC this week.
Earlier this week it was revealed in the BBC's annual report that Capaldi was paid between £200,000 and £250,000 last year for his role in the series.
In an interview with the London Evening Standard, BBC director general Tony Hall said Whittaker would be paid the same as her predecessor "for the same amount of work".
Two ex-Time Lords have had a war of words over Jodie Whittaker being cast as TV's first female Doctor.
Peter Davison, who played the Doctor from 1981 to 1984, said he "liked the idea" of a male Doctor and that he felt "a bit sad" the character might no longer be "a role model for boys".
His comments were promptly dubbed "rubbish" by his successor Colin Baker.
"You don't have to be of a gender to be a role model," said the actor, who portrayed the Doctor from 1984 to 1986.
"Can't you be a role model as people?"
Baker, the father of four daughters, said the BBC show's 54-year history had given young male viewers plenty of figures to emulate.
"They've had 50 years of having a role model," said the 74-year-old. "So sorry Peter, you're talking rubbish there - absolute rubbish."
Davison - whose own daughter Georgina is married to David Tennant, another ex-Doctor - accepted "you need to open it up" and that he was "maybe an old-fashioned dinosaur".
The news that Whittaker will inherit the Tardis from Peter Capaldi this Christmas has been a major talking point at the San Diego event.
John Barrowman asked fans to give the Broadchurch actress a chance while making his own Comic-Con appearance on Thursday.
"If we buy into the world of Doctor Who... it doesn't say that he will be a he all the time," said the actor.
Barrowman, who played Captain Jack Harkness in the programme and its spin-off Torchwood, donned a glittery mini-dress modelled on the Tardis while appearing at the San Diego Convention Centre.
Closer to home, Whittaker's casting as the 13th Doctor continues to animate other former stars of the long-running series.
Freema Agyeman, another former companion of the TV time-traveller, said she was "overjoyed" that a woman had finally landed the role.
"I feel like standing on top of a rooftop and shouting for joy," said the actress, who confessed to being "astounded" by the "furore" that the casting announcement had generated.
"The strength of the show and the reason for its longevity is the way it keeps changing and shifting," she told the BBC this week.
Earlier this week it was revealed in the BBC's annual report that Capaldi was paid between £200,000 and £250,000 last year for his role in the series.
In an interview with the London Evening Standard, BBC director general Tony Hall said Whittaker would be paid the same as her predecessor "for the same amount of work".
Doctor Omega
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Doctor Omega
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Jodie Whittaker “knew for months” about being cast in Doctor Who - and only told one person
But the Thirteenth Doctor's companion is yet to be cast, say sources
If being able to keep a secret makes for a good Time Lord then Jodie Whittaker has passed the first test.
Sources close to the performer, who was named last week as the Thirteenth Doctor, say that she knew “for months” about getting the role.
It is thought that she was given the job at least five months ago by Chris Chibnall, the new Doctor Who showrunner who worked with Whittaker on ITV drama Broadchurch where she played grieving mum Beth Latimer. And she had to keep the secret all that time.
She even appeared at a press launch earlier this summer for her new drama Trust Me where she plays a nurse who poses as... a doctor – and managed to keep her poker face for that.
However the sources said that Whittaker did tell one person (and one person only): her husband, American actor Christian Contreras.
Whittaker is expected to start filming for the role next year for a likely broadcast in autumn 2018, with the role of her companion still undecided according to sources.
It has been said that former Death in Paradise star Kris Marshall has been chosen to accompany her Doctor in the Tardis but BBC sources say that a decision has still not been made on the casting.
Whittaker said of her new role: “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.”
New showrunner Chris Chibnall is understood to have been committed to casting a woman in the role ever since he landed the job last year.
His statement said: “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 for The Doctor 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.”
But the Thirteenth Doctor's companion is yet to be cast, say sources
If being able to keep a secret makes for a good Time Lord then Jodie Whittaker has passed the first test.
Sources close to the performer, who was named last week as the Thirteenth Doctor, say that she knew “for months” about getting the role.
It is thought that she was given the job at least five months ago by Chris Chibnall, the new Doctor Who showrunner who worked with Whittaker on ITV drama Broadchurch where she played grieving mum Beth Latimer. And she had to keep the secret all that time.
She even appeared at a press launch earlier this summer for her new drama Trust Me where she plays a nurse who poses as... a doctor – and managed to keep her poker face for that.
However the sources said that Whittaker did tell one person (and one person only): her husband, American actor Christian Contreras.
Whittaker is expected to start filming for the role next year for a likely broadcast in autumn 2018, with the role of her companion still undecided according to sources.
It has been said that former Death in Paradise star Kris Marshall has been chosen to accompany her Doctor in the Tardis but BBC sources say that a decision has still not been made on the casting.
Whittaker said of her new role: “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.”
New showrunner Chris Chibnall is understood to have been committed to casting a woman in the role ever since he landed the job last year.
His statement said: “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 for The Doctor 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.”
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Doctor Who legend Peter Purves said he'd be 'horrified' with female Time Lord days before Jodie Whittaker's reveal
Purves, a companion in the mid-1960s to William Hartnell, said: “That’s not a misogynistic view. It’s just that I don’t think it’s right.
Jodie Whittaker has become the first ever actress to take on the mantle of The Doctor in Doctor Who, splitting opinion straight down the middle.
But while other former Who star such as Freema Agyeman and Mark Gatiss were utterly delighted with the 35-year-old Broadchurch actress' appointment as the 13th reincarnation of the last of the Time Lords, others may not be so happy with the news.
Speaking days before the big reveal, Peter Purves - a former companion of The Doctor - said he was “horrified” by the idea of a female Time Lord.
After it appeared that show bosses were going to stick with a male lead, Jodie was revealed as the first female Time Lord following the Wimbledon men's final on Sunday night.
And it is a move which has pleased many - but also angered other long-standing fans
And it appears that Purves, a companion in the mid-1960s to William Hartnell and, famously, also a Blue Peter co-host, is one of those.
He told the Daily Mirror: “That’s not a misogynistic view. It’s just that I don’t think it’s right.”
He adds: “I like Miranda Hart and Sue Perkins in what they do but I don’t see them as Doctor Who – I’d be horrified.
"A bit like James Bond, Doctor Who ought to be a man.”
When it comes to which man, he doesn’t mind.
“I have no preference but Peter Capaldi was a wonderful choice – he’s a super actor and his final episode was extraordinarily interesting.”
Purves, now 78, admits that he (along with millions of others) sometimes struggles to keep up with the plots but still goes to conventions for the sci-fi hit, attending four in the US over the past six months.
Purves, a companion in the mid-1960s to William Hartnell, said: “That’s not a misogynistic view. It’s just that I don’t think it’s right.
Jodie Whittaker has become the first ever actress to take on the mantle of The Doctor in Doctor Who, splitting opinion straight down the middle.
But while other former Who star such as Freema Agyeman and Mark Gatiss were utterly delighted with the 35-year-old Broadchurch actress' appointment as the 13th reincarnation of the last of the Time Lords, others may not be so happy with the news.
Speaking days before the big reveal, Peter Purves - a former companion of The Doctor - said he was “horrified” by the idea of a female Time Lord.
After it appeared that show bosses were going to stick with a male lead, Jodie was revealed as the first female Time Lord following the Wimbledon men's final on Sunday night.
And it is a move which has pleased many - but also angered other long-standing fans
And it appears that Purves, a companion in the mid-1960s to William Hartnell and, famously, also a Blue Peter co-host, is one of those.
He told the Daily Mirror: “That’s not a misogynistic view. It’s just that I don’t think it’s right.”
He adds: “I like Miranda Hart and Sue Perkins in what they do but I don’t see them as Doctor Who – I’d be horrified.
"A bit like James Bond, Doctor Who ought to be a man.”
When it comes to which man, he doesn’t mind.
“I have no preference but Peter Capaldi was a wonderful choice – he’s a super actor and his final episode was extraordinarily interesting.”
Purves, now 78, admits that he (along with millions of others) sometimes struggles to keep up with the plots but still goes to conventions for the sci-fi hit, attending four in the US over the past six months.
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Doctor Who boss Steven Moffat slams 'imaginary backlash' against female Doctor and blames a 'few tiny mad people'
Whovians have threatened to stop watching the show in protest
Departing Doctor Who boss Steven Moffat has had his say on the 'imaginary backlash' against the new female Doctor.
The BBC sci-fi show has faced some criticism for casting Jodie Whittaker as the thirteenth incarnation of the Doctor.
But Moffat has claimed that the negative response has been blown out of proportion and that only a "few tiny made people" are kicking up a storm.
He was interviewed alongside Peter Capaldi, who will be giving up the role this Christmas, and Sherlock star Mark Gatiss at the San Diego Comic-Con.
Speaking to Empire, Moffat said: "One thing to say about the reaction. It's kind of as if Doctor Who fans are being slightly vilified at the moment.
"Loads of journalists are writing about a completely imaginary backlash against the Doctor. It hasn't happened.
"It was something like 80% of social media was thrilled. Doctor Who fans here are absolutely thrilled about Jodie being the Doctor.
"There has been nothing - only a few, tiny, mad people somewhere. The amount of journalism being devoted to saying there's been some huge reaction - there hasn't been.
"In fact most of the fans aren't even reacting to the fact it's a female Doctor, they are saying Jodie Whittaker is a brilliant actor what a good piece of casting."
Moffat will be steeping down as showrunner to make way for Chris Chibnall after seven years at the helm.
Peter Capaldi, the twelfth Doctor, has already spoken to Whittaker who will replace him during the Christmas special this year.
On his departure, he said: "I find it quite sad but I’m very excited about Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall and all the great things they’re going to do with the programme.
"I’m a fan of Doctor Who and I’m really excited about what they’re going to do with the future of the show. Obviously it’s sad not being the Doctor anymore but there’s a whole new chapter beginning and I’m excited about that."
Doctor Who has faced an immediate backlash after the thirteenth star to take the main role was unveiled to be female.
In a striking example of modern day attitudes towards equal opportunities, a large response from Who fans was one of outrage.
Loyal fans of the long running BBC children’s Sci-Fi series took to Twitter to blast the decision to cast actress Jodie Whittaker as the titular Doctor.
"Time LORD. I repeat the Doctor is a time LORD. Not a time LADY,” raged one incensed fan on the social media site.
Time LORD. I repeat the Doctor is a time LORD. Not a time LADY.
— Luke (@LukeCSGO_) July 16, 2017
Follow
Jamie 
@TheBeerusGOD
Replying to @bbcdoctorwho
You've ruined it now
4:29 PM - 16 Jul 2017
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I'm not watching anymore
— diesel
(@DanKeeble619) July 16, 2017
Follow
Sharon Bull @ACVoiceUK
Replying to @bbcdoctorwho
Doctor Who is over for me now. Sorry, but hugely disappointed!
4:29 PM - 16 Jul 2017
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"You've ruined it now,” blasted another.
While another fan tweeted at the BBC: "Are you f**king kidding me you've ruined doctor who for me and my father in law. You might as well just cancelled the show.”
Indeed, Twitter became a melting pot of angry messages from viewers who couldn't accept that the character they love - a shape shifting, thousands of years old, two hearted humanoid - could possible be played by a woman.
Viewers vowed to switch off, with one tweeting: "I'm not watching anymore."
Martin Evans @Ladstrong
Replying to @bbcdoctorwho
No more dr who for me and my son what have you done
4:30 PM - 16 Jul 2017
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shazza @shazzababy89
Replying to @bbcdoctorwho
Raging, ruined an amazing programme with a female doctor!
4:30 PM - 16 Jul 2017
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Another asked: "No more dr who for me and my son what have you done."
While a female fan tweeted: "Raging, ruined an amazing programme with a female doctor!"
A somewhat lively debate emerged among the angered comments, with many praising the BBC for dragging one of their most iconic characters into 2017.
One fan slammed those who showed anger over the casting, tweeting: "For each sexist bigot threatening to not watch, there'll be a young girl with a new hero they didn't have before #GoodRiddance #Doctor13”.
Follow
Gryph Lane @MxGryphLane
For each sexist bigot threatening to not watch, there'll be a young girl with a new hero they didn't have before #GoodRiddance #Doctor13
4:47 PM - 16 Jul 2017
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Richard Littler
@richard_littler
To misogynists moaning about #Doctor13: You're not the target audience. It's aimed at children w/ grown-up minds, not the other way around.
4:46 PM - 16 Jul 2017
And another taking aim over the casting furore wrote: "To misogynists moaning about #Doctor13: You're not the target audience. It's aimed at children w/ grown-up minds, not the other way around.”
Jodie will replace Peter Capaldi as the Doctor following the Christmas special episode expected to air in December.
She will then lead the cast of the long running adventure series when it returns for the eleventh series of it’s current run in 2018.
Whovians have threatened to stop watching the show in protest
Departing Doctor Who boss Steven Moffat has had his say on the 'imaginary backlash' against the new female Doctor.
The BBC sci-fi show has faced some criticism for casting Jodie Whittaker as the thirteenth incarnation of the Doctor.
But Moffat has claimed that the negative response has been blown out of proportion and that only a "few tiny made people" are kicking up a storm.
He was interviewed alongside Peter Capaldi, who will be giving up the role this Christmas, and Sherlock star Mark Gatiss at the San Diego Comic-Con.
Speaking to Empire, Moffat said: "One thing to say about the reaction. It's kind of as if Doctor Who fans are being slightly vilified at the moment.
"Loads of journalists are writing about a completely imaginary backlash against the Doctor. It hasn't happened.
"It was something like 80% of social media was thrilled. Doctor Who fans here are absolutely thrilled about Jodie being the Doctor.
"There has been nothing - only a few, tiny, mad people somewhere. The amount of journalism being devoted to saying there's been some huge reaction - there hasn't been.
"In fact most of the fans aren't even reacting to the fact it's a female Doctor, they are saying Jodie Whittaker is a brilliant actor what a good piece of casting."
Moffat will be steeping down as showrunner to make way for Chris Chibnall after seven years at the helm.
Peter Capaldi, the twelfth Doctor, has already spoken to Whittaker who will replace him during the Christmas special this year.
On his departure, he said: "I find it quite sad but I’m very excited about Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall and all the great things they’re going to do with the programme.
"I’m a fan of Doctor Who and I’m really excited about what they’re going to do with the future of the show. Obviously it’s sad not being the Doctor anymore but there’s a whole new chapter beginning and I’m excited about that."
Doctor Who has faced an immediate backlash after the thirteenth star to take the main role was unveiled to be female.
In a striking example of modern day attitudes towards equal opportunities, a large response from Who fans was one of outrage.
Loyal fans of the long running BBC children’s Sci-Fi series took to Twitter to blast the decision to cast actress Jodie Whittaker as the titular Doctor.
"Time LORD. I repeat the Doctor is a time LORD. Not a time LADY,” raged one incensed fan on the social media site.
Time LORD. I repeat the Doctor is a time LORD. Not a time LADY.
— Luke (@LukeCSGO_) July 16, 2017
Follow
Jamie @TheBeerusGODReplying to @bbcdoctorwho
You've ruined it now
4:29 PM - 16 Jul 2017
Twitter Ads info and privacy
I'm not watching anymore
— diesel
(@DanKeeble619) July 16, 2017Follow
Sharon Bull @ACVoiceUKReplying to @bbcdoctorwho
Doctor Who is over for me now. Sorry, but hugely disappointed!
4:29 PM - 16 Jul 2017
Twitter Ads info and privacy
"You've ruined it now,” blasted another.
While another fan tweeted at the BBC: "Are you f**king kidding me you've ruined doctor who for me and my father in law. You might as well just cancelled the show.”
Indeed, Twitter became a melting pot of angry messages from viewers who couldn't accept that the character they love - a shape shifting, thousands of years old, two hearted humanoid - could possible be played by a woman.
Viewers vowed to switch off, with one tweeting: "I'm not watching anymore."
Martin Evans @LadstrongReplying to @bbcdoctorwho
No more dr who for me and my son what have you done
4:30 PM - 16 Jul 2017
Twitter Ads info and privacy
Follow
shazza @shazzababy89Replying to @bbcdoctorwho
Raging, ruined an amazing programme with a female doctor!
4:30 PM - 16 Jul 2017
Twitter Ads info and privacy
Another asked: "No more dr who for me and my son what have you done."
While a female fan tweeted: "Raging, ruined an amazing programme with a female doctor!"
A somewhat lively debate emerged among the angered comments, with many praising the BBC for dragging one of their most iconic characters into 2017.
One fan slammed those who showed anger over the casting, tweeting: "For each sexist bigot threatening to not watch, there'll be a young girl with a new hero they didn't have before #GoodRiddance #Doctor13”.
Follow
Gryph Lane @MxGryphLaneFor each sexist bigot threatening to not watch, there'll be a young girl with a new hero they didn't have before #GoodRiddance #Doctor13
4:47 PM - 16 Jul 2017
Twitter Ads info and privacy
Follow
Richard Littler @richard_littlerTo misogynists moaning about #Doctor13: You're not the target audience. It's aimed at children w/ grown-up minds, not the other way around.
4:46 PM - 16 Jul 2017
And another taking aim over the casting furore wrote: "To misogynists moaning about #Doctor13: You're not the target audience. It's aimed at children w/ grown-up minds, not the other way around.”
Jodie will replace Peter Capaldi as the Doctor following the Christmas special episode expected to air in December.
She will then lead the cast of the long running adventure series when it returns for the eleventh series of it’s current run in 2018.
Last edited:
Doctor Omega
Member: Rank 10
Doctor Omega
Member: Rank 10
Doctor Who star Peter Davison 'calls it a day' on Twitter after "toxicity" around female Doctor comments
The Fifth Doctor said he was worried about "a loss of a role model for boys" but was at pains to point out that fans should be supportive of change
Former Doctor Who star Peter Davison appears to have given up on Twitter for the time being after being unimpressed by the response to comments he made – or didn't make – about Jodie Whittaker being cast as the first female Doctor.
"All this toxicity about a sci-fi show has been sobering, so I'm calling it a day," wrote the Fifth Doctor in his latest Twitter post. "@PeterDavison5 used to be fun. Now it's not."
All this toxicity about a sci-fi show has been sobering, so I'm calling it a day. @PeterDavison5 used to be fun. Now it's not. Must Dash. xx
— Peter Davison (@PeterDavison5) July 24, 2017
Davison has faced criticism from some quarters – including fellow Doctor Colin Baker – after saying during an interview at San Diego Comic Con that he felt changing the Time Lord to a Time Lady meant "a loss of a role model for boys". But some fans appear to have made the assumption that Davison has been entirely unsupportive of the move, and critical of Whittaker herself, something he has been at pains to point out is not the case.
For the record I didn't say I had doubts about Jodie. I said "she's a terrific actress and will do a wonderful job and we need to open it..
— Peter Davison (@PeterDavison5) July 24, 2017
..up". I also urged uncertain fans to be supportive about change. It was a caveat about role models in an otherwise positive answer..
— Peter Davison (@PeterDavison5) July 24, 2017
Davison also urged encouragement and understanding of Doctor Who fans who were dubious about the Time Lord's sex change.
It might be more helpful to be encouraging, and not simply scornful, of fans who are uncertain about change.
— Peter Davison (@PeterDavison5) July 17, 2017
"There’s too much bile coming from both sides and too many people are being horribly sexist about it and too many people are saying 'well, we don’t care about you, you’re old-fashioned, go away and watch something else'," said Davison in the interview. "I think fans who are doubtful and uncertain should be encouraged and welcomed – just approach it with an open mind."
Here's a transcript of the key parts of Davison's interview – followed by the video itself, which also features Colin Baker – so you can make your mind up for yourself:
"I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for her and I think it will be hard for some fans to adjust to it – as I said before it’s difficult to adjust to any new Doctor[…] but I think the important thing is that those who are uncertain should be encouraged to watch it with an open mind.
"I think the time for discussion about that is past. They’ve made the announcement that Jodie Whittaker is the next Doctor and that’s great.
"If I feel any doubts about it, it’s the loss of a role model for boys, who I think Doctor Who is vitally important for, so I feel a bit sad about that but I understand the argument that you’ve got to open it up, so she has my best wishes and full confidence, I’m sure she’ll do a wonderful job.
"As a viewer, I quite like the idea of the Doctor as a boy but maybe I'm an old-fashioned dinosaur, who knows, but that’s irrelevant now – we have a new Doctor and let’s give her our full support."
The Fifth Doctor said he was worried about "a loss of a role model for boys" but was at pains to point out that fans should be supportive of change
Former Doctor Who star Peter Davison appears to have given up on Twitter for the time being after being unimpressed by the response to comments he made – or didn't make – about Jodie Whittaker being cast as the first female Doctor.
"All this toxicity about a sci-fi show has been sobering, so I'm calling it a day," wrote the Fifth Doctor in his latest Twitter post. "@PeterDavison5 used to be fun. Now it's not."
All this toxicity about a sci-fi show has been sobering, so I'm calling it a day. @PeterDavison5 used to be fun. Now it's not. Must Dash. xx
— Peter Davison (@PeterDavison5) July 24, 2017
Davison has faced criticism from some quarters – including fellow Doctor Colin Baker – after saying during an interview at San Diego Comic Con that he felt changing the Time Lord to a Time Lady meant "a loss of a role model for boys". But some fans appear to have made the assumption that Davison has been entirely unsupportive of the move, and critical of Whittaker herself, something he has been at pains to point out is not the case.
For the record I didn't say I had doubts about Jodie. I said "she's a terrific actress and will do a wonderful job and we need to open it..
— Peter Davison (@PeterDavison5) July 24, 2017
..up". I also urged uncertain fans to be supportive about change. It was a caveat about role models in an otherwise positive answer..
— Peter Davison (@PeterDavison5) July 24, 2017
Davison also urged encouragement and understanding of Doctor Who fans who were dubious about the Time Lord's sex change.
It might be more helpful to be encouraging, and not simply scornful, of fans who are uncertain about change.
— Peter Davison (@PeterDavison5) July 17, 2017
"There’s too much bile coming from both sides and too many people are being horribly sexist about it and too many people are saying 'well, we don’t care about you, you’re old-fashioned, go away and watch something else'," said Davison in the interview. "I think fans who are doubtful and uncertain should be encouraged and welcomed – just approach it with an open mind."
Here's a transcript of the key parts of Davison's interview – followed by the video itself, which also features Colin Baker – so you can make your mind up for yourself:
"I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for her and I think it will be hard for some fans to adjust to it – as I said before it’s difficult to adjust to any new Doctor[…] but I think the important thing is that those who are uncertain should be encouraged to watch it with an open mind.
"I think the time for discussion about that is past. They’ve made the announcement that Jodie Whittaker is the next Doctor and that’s great.
"If I feel any doubts about it, it’s the loss of a role model for boys, who I think Doctor Who is vitally important for, so I feel a bit sad about that but I understand the argument that you’ve got to open it up, so she has my best wishes and full confidence, I’m sure she’ll do a wonderful job.
"As a viewer, I quite like the idea of the Doctor as a boy but maybe I'm an old-fashioned dinosaur, who knows, but that’s irrelevant now – we have a new Doctor and let’s give her our full support."
Doctor Omega
Member: Rank 10
The 13th Doctor has already met the Daleks - four years ago
A very cordial encounter on the red carpet saw Jodie Whittaker admitting she was "starstruck" by the tinpot terrors
In this interview on the red carpet at the 2013 Bafta TV awards, an appropriately blonde Whittaker can be seen alongside Broadchurch co-star Andrew Buchan as a Dalek drifts into view behind her.
But the Time Lady and the tinpot terror are giving each other a bit more respect than usual, with the Dalek flicking its eye-stalk towards her before calmly turning in the other direction, while Whittaker doesn't turn around but does mention in passing that she's "starstruck" to be in her enemy's presence.
A very cordial encounter on the red carpet saw Jodie Whittaker admitting she was "starstruck" by the tinpot terrors
In this interview on the red carpet at the 2013 Bafta TV awards, an appropriately blonde Whittaker can be seen alongside Broadchurch co-star Andrew Buchan as a Dalek drifts into view behind her.
But the Time Lady and the tinpot terror are giving each other a bit more respect than usual, with the Dalek flicking its eye-stalk towards her before calmly turning in the other direction, while Whittaker doesn't turn around but does mention in passing that she's "starstruck" to be in her enemy's presence.
Doctor Omega
Member: Rank 10
Sacha Dhawan "never auditioned for Doctor Who" – but he wants to replace Jodie Whittaker
The Sherlock actor loved being associated with the role of the Doctor and is still hopeful that it will one day be his
Since Jodie Whittaker was unveiled as the 13th Doctor, all talk has been about her pioneering position as the first woman in the role.
But in the run-up to the announcement there was also much discussion about the possibility of the show casting its first non-white Doctor, with Sacha Dhawan rumoured to be one of the frontrunners.
Dhawan, who had a major role in the most recent series of Sherlock, and also fronted co-creator and sometime Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss's MR James ghost story The Tractate Middoth, has always been very enthusiastic about being associated with the part of the Doctor – but he has now admitted that he did not get as far as auditioning for it.
"I never auditioned for Doctor Who," revealed Dhawan, speaking at the London Film and Comic Con. "I think because I'm associated with Sherlock and the Doctor Who world someone must have thrown my name in the hat. It was really nice, Mark Gatiss messaged me 'I've just seen this on Twitter', to the point where I was calling my agent saying 'have I got an audition for this?' No."
Dhawan is remaining upbeat about one day landing the role though, and is already considering the prospect of being Whittaker's successor, adding "hopefully when Jodie finishes, I'll get considered."
In the meantime, he's very pleased about her land-mark casting – even if he does have one regret...
"I'm really happy, it's great. I always said it would be nice to have a female Doctor and also I know Jodie as well and she's just fantastic and perfect for it.
"I'm actually gutted because before they made the announcement I heard it was gonna be Jodie and when she was announced I was 'damn, I should've put a bet on!'"
Sacha Dhawan was speaking on a panel at the London Film & Comic Con
The Sherlock actor loved being associated with the role of the Doctor and is still hopeful that it will one day be his
Since Jodie Whittaker was unveiled as the 13th Doctor, all talk has been about her pioneering position as the first woman in the role.
But in the run-up to the announcement there was also much discussion about the possibility of the show casting its first non-white Doctor, with Sacha Dhawan rumoured to be one of the frontrunners.
Dhawan, who had a major role in the most recent series of Sherlock, and also fronted co-creator and sometime Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss's MR James ghost story The Tractate Middoth, has always been very enthusiastic about being associated with the part of the Doctor – but he has now admitted that he did not get as far as auditioning for it.
"I never auditioned for Doctor Who," revealed Dhawan, speaking at the London Film and Comic Con. "I think because I'm associated with Sherlock and the Doctor Who world someone must have thrown my name in the hat. It was really nice, Mark Gatiss messaged me 'I've just seen this on Twitter', to the point where I was calling my agent saying 'have I got an audition for this?' No."
Dhawan is remaining upbeat about one day landing the role though, and is already considering the prospect of being Whittaker's successor, adding "hopefully when Jodie finishes, I'll get considered."
In the meantime, he's very pleased about her land-mark casting – even if he does have one regret...
"I'm really happy, it's great. I always said it would be nice to have a female Doctor and also I know Jodie as well and she's just fantastic and perfect for it.
"I'm actually gutted because before they made the announcement I heard it was gonna be Jodie and when she was announced I was 'damn, I should've put a bet on!'"
Sacha Dhawan was speaking on a panel at the London Film & Comic Con
Doctor Omega
Member: Rank 10
Alex Kingston Talks River Song’s Plans For Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor
Labor Day weekend has come and gone, with it Dragon Con and a panel with Alex Kingston. Whovians know her as River Song, wife of The Doctor, 90’s tv fans know her as Dr. Elizabeth Corday from ER, we know her as awesome.
The panel went about how most of them do; chatting about the event (this was Alex’s second Dragon Con), the weather, and the fan photo ops she’d just finished before making it to the panel.
Audience questions started almost immediately, which was nice for the gathered fans, and somehow morphed into Alex asking Doctor Who trivia questions with rewards for correct answers in the form of bananas. Yes, bananas.
The majority of the questions centered around Kingston’s strength in her roles, but also her experiences with ageism in Hollywood.
I’m just sort of….me. And of course every time it’s the 11th of March I know that I’m getting another year wiser. But I live day to day, just being me. And so I am not necessarily conscious of my age. When it comes to work, I’m aware, there are roles I can’t go up for anymore, or roles that I should be going up for but they’re casting way younger than is actually real. But I suppose I’ve been really lucky to be given a role where River is sort of ageless in a way, it’s fluid.
It’s funny, because the majority of us are probably not aware of how GOOD we look as women in this day and age. I mean we are fitter, we’re healthier, and I think prouder than our mother’s and grandmother’s generation. I mean it wasn’t that long ago when it was believed that as soon as you turn 50, you’re considered dead from the bellybutton down. I’m certainly not. *the audience goes wild*
But the real big news was when Alex was asked about what’s next on her docket, and she mentioned she wanted to return to theater. If you haven’t seen the PHENOMENAL production of “Macbeth” she did with Mr. Shakespeare himself Kenneth Branagh you REALLY should.
That said, she also mentioned that she was going to “call the BBC and let them know River is ready to meet her second wife.” To which, of course, the audience exploded. “Why not? She (River) said it!”
Labor Day weekend has come and gone, with it Dragon Con and a panel with Alex Kingston. Whovians know her as River Song, wife of The Doctor, 90’s tv fans know her as Dr. Elizabeth Corday from ER, we know her as awesome.
The panel went about how most of them do; chatting about the event (this was Alex’s second Dragon Con), the weather, and the fan photo ops she’d just finished before making it to the panel.
Audience questions started almost immediately, which was nice for the gathered fans, and somehow morphed into Alex asking Doctor Who trivia questions with rewards for correct answers in the form of bananas. Yes, bananas.
The majority of the questions centered around Kingston’s strength in her roles, but also her experiences with ageism in Hollywood.
I’m just sort of….me. And of course every time it’s the 11th of March I know that I’m getting another year wiser. But I live day to day, just being me. And so I am not necessarily conscious of my age. When it comes to work, I’m aware, there are roles I can’t go up for anymore, or roles that I should be going up for but they’re casting way younger than is actually real. But I suppose I’ve been really lucky to be given a role where River is sort of ageless in a way, it’s fluid.
It’s funny, because the majority of us are probably not aware of how GOOD we look as women in this day and age. I mean we are fitter, we’re healthier, and I think prouder than our mother’s and grandmother’s generation. I mean it wasn’t that long ago when it was believed that as soon as you turn 50, you’re considered dead from the bellybutton down. I’m certainly not. *the audience goes wild*
But the real big news was when Alex was asked about what’s next on her docket, and she mentioned she wanted to return to theater. If you haven’t seen the PHENOMENAL production of “Macbeth” she did with Mr. Shakespeare himself Kenneth Branagh you REALLY should.
That said, she also mentioned that she was going to “call the BBC and let them know River is ready to meet her second wife.” To which, of course, the audience exploded. “Why not? She (River) said it!”