DOCTOR WHO: Jodie Whittaker Announced as the Thirteenth Doctor!

"That's the problem with regeneration.  You never quite know what you're going to get."
-- The Fifth Doctor, Doctor Who: "Castrovalva"

The BBC has officially announced that Jodie Whittaker will be the new Thirteenth Doctor for Series Eleven of Doctor Who, replacing the outgoing Peter Capaldi.  Whittaker will be the first female actor to portray the Doctor in the series and will make her debut at the end of the 2017 Christmas Special.

The casting announcement was made after the Wimbledon men’s final which Roger Federer won in less than two hours, and with Tenth Doctor David Tennant in attendance.

Whittaker, 35, is best known as Beth Latimer on the ITV series Broadchurch, which was overseen by incoming Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall.  Her other television appearances include episodes of Black Mirror, The Smoke and The Assets.  She also appeared in the films Attack the Block, The Night Watch, and Venus.

Jodie Whittaker remarked, "I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey -- with Chris and with every Whovian on this planet.  It’s more than an honor 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."

Incoming Head Writer and Executive Producer Chris Chibnall said, "After months of lists, conversations, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, we’re excited to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor.  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."

Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi commented, "Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker’s work will know that she is a wonderful actress of great individuality and charm.  She has above all the huge heart to play this most special part.  She’s going to be a fantastic Doctor."

Piers Wenger, Controller BBC Drama stated, "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."

Here's the official announcement video from the BBC...