To say that the casting of Jodie Whittaker as the thirteenth Time Lord has sparked heated debate online may read as something of an understatement – even if some of that debate has bordered on the ridiculous – but yesterday, former Doctor Who companion Jenna Coleman cut through the noise to label Whittaker’s addition as a stroke of “genius.”
During Monday’s Television Critics Association press tour, Variety caught up with Coleman to discuss all things Victoria, the PBS Masterpiece drama in which she portrays Queen Victoria of England. For the record, ITV has renewed the period piece for a second season and a Christmas special, both of which will air in 2017.
Getting back to Doctor Who, though, now that Peter Capaldi is ready to bid adieu to the TARDIS and everything it represents, all eyes are beginning to turn toward series 11 ahead of its tentative 2018 release window. That launch date is subject to change, but that hasn’t quelled excitement for Whittaker’s first full season as the famous Time Lord. And at least according to Coleman, who played the role of Clara Oswald across three seasons of Who, welcoming the Broadchurch actress to the fray is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Per Variety, Jenna Coleman referenced Whittaker’s reveal (see the video above), which has the actress wander through a jungle setting while cloaked under a thick black hood. From there, the camera pans up to reveal the first female Doctor and Coleman, much like the rest of us, couldn’t be more excited.
Oh, I love it. I think it’s genius. I think she is brilliant and lovely, and I can’t wait to hear her speak. I want to hear the voice. I think it’s very exciting times.
Doctor Who will be back on our screens thanks to the 2017 Christmas Special, “Twice Upon a Time,” which will simultaneously usher in Jodie Whittaker as the Time Lord and bid farewell to Peter Capaldi, who is set to hang up his hat for good this festive season.