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 earlier this month, former Doctor Who companion Jenna Coleman cut through the noise to label Whittaker’s addition as a stroke of “genius.”
It’s a sentiment that many fans of the show, and indeed, most of its stars, share, and 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, of course, 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 star to the fray is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Speaking to The Telegraph in a recent interview to promote her new show Victoria, the actress praised Whittaker once again, saying the following:
“Jodie is such a clever actress. I can’t wait to see what she does. I just want to hear her speak. It’s a really exciting time [for the show].”
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’s set to hang up his hat for good this festive season. Not only that, but if recent rumors are to be believed, we may be seeing Coleman back on the show as well, as she’s said to be returning to help see Capaldi off.
That remains unconfirmed, but for a taste of what’s to come, be sure to check out the trailer for “Twice Upon a Time” below.