The next Doctor Who will be a woman

July 17, 2017 at 4:40 a.m. | Updated July 17, 2017 at 4:39 a.m.

by Associated Press

In this file photo dated Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, British actress Jodie Whittaker, who starred in TV series Broadchurch, arrives for South Bank Sky Arts Awards 2014, held at the Dorchester hotel in central London. The BBC has announced Sunday July 16, 2017, Jodie Whittaker is the next star of the long-running science fiction TV series "Doctor Who" set to become the first woman to take the leading title role.
In this file photo dated Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, British actress Jodie Whittaker, who starred in TV series Broadchurch, arrives for South Bank Sky Arts Awards 2014, held at the Dorchester hotel in central London. The BBC has announced Sunday July 16, 2017, Jodie Whittaker is the next star of the long-running science fiction TV series "Doctor Who" set to become the first woman to take the leading title role.

BBC and BBC America announced Sunday that the 13th Doctor Who will be Jodie Whittaker, the first woman in the role.

"It's more than an honor to play the Doctor," Whittaker said. "It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can't wait."

Whittaker will replace Peter Capaldi as the Time Lord when he leaves the science fiction show at Christmas. New head writer and executive producer Chris Chibnall, who takes over from Steven Moffat, made the decision to cast
Whitaker.

"I always knew I wanted the 13th Doctor to be a woman, and we're thrilled to have secured our No. 1 choice," Chibnall said. "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."

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