Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker on her "incredibly emotional" casting

New Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker has given her first broadcast interview since landing the role of the time-travelling alien.

In an interview for BBC 6 Music, the actor spoke of her excitement to take on the role and to work again with Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, who is taking over from Steven Moffatt as head writer and executive producer. “I already know how incredible he is,” she said, adding “He’s come from a fan’s point of view, so the direction he’s going to take it is going to be incredible.”

Whittaker also addressed the mixed reaction to her being the first female actor to play the Doctor. “The people that are in these roles that we are excited by, are passionate about, look up to, don’t always have to tick the same box, and that’s what’s really incredible about it,” she explained.

Whittaker – who is not on any social media –escaped much of the social media storm that accompanied the announcement, however she recalled seeing one particular reaction video: “There’s an amazing video of a young girl watching it and finding out that it’s being played by a girl. Seeing things like that are really exciting.”

She added, “If you grow up watching adventure films and TV shows and anything that caters to the belief that anything is possible, this is the job to do! That was not in the realm of possibility growing up.”

She described the casting as “incredibly emotional.” “I played it really cool… and cried,” she joked.

Her recent role in Broadchurch saw her act alongside former Doctor David Tennant, as well as others who have appeared in the series including Arthur Darvill and David Bailey. “I’ve spoken to a few [Doctor Who alumni] and the overwhelming sense is ‘this is such an exciting journey that you are about to go on, and it’s to be enjoyed,” Whittaker said. “I feel like I am immersing myself into a world… The fans are the most creative and enthusiastic people and it’s so exciting to be a part of that.”

Jodie Whittaker will be taking over from Peter Capaldi as the Doctor when he leaves the show this Christmas. Her new show, Trust Me, about a nurse who runs away and steals her friends’ identity in order to rebuild her life in Edinburgh, begins on 8 August on BBC One at 9pm.