The BBC Has Responded To Complaints About The First Female Doctor In "Doctor Who"

    "She is destined to be an utterly iconic Doctor."

    Ellie Bate
    by Ellie Bate

    BuzzFeed Staff

    On Sunday it was announced that Jodie Whittaker will become the first woman to play the role of the Doctor in Doctor Who, following Peter Capaldi's departure at Christmas.

    BBC / wouldyouhavedinnerwithme.tumblr.com

    In an interview with the BBC following the announcement, Jodie said she was "beyond excited" to play the role, calling it "more than an honour".

    John Phillips / Getty Images

    "I want to tell the fans not to be scared by my gender," she said when asked about potential negative responses to the casting. "Because this is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change. The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one."

    But of course, because we can't have nice things, there was immediate backlash online from viewers who believe that the Doctor can't possibly be portrayed by a woman, and "nobody wants a TARDIS full of bras".

    TechnicallyRon @TechnicallyRon

    I took Daily Mail comments from people angry about a possible Female Dr Who and turned them into episode titles for… https://t.co/f3Hga2Da4E

    Reply Retweet Favorite

    It is, in fact, HELL.

    Jamie Ghis @GhisPerrier

    @bbcdoctorwho Imagine one of your favourite shows but with someone of the opposite gender playing your favourite character(s). Hell.

    Reply Retweet Favorite
    darren pop @DX_1

    @bbcdoctorwho there's really no fucking need. the dr is male. hate how it's fashionable to make male characters female. it's utter shit

    Reply Retweet Favorite

    And the complaints have got so bad that the BBC has issued a statement responding to those who have a problem with the casting.

    Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

    "The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey and it has been established in the show that Time Lords can switch gender," the statement reads.

    BBC

    "Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor," it continues. "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."

    BBC / zombolouge.tumblr.com

    Here is the BBC's statement in full:

    Since the first Doctor regenerated back in 1966, the concept of the Doctor as a constantly evolving being has been central to the programme. The continual input of fresh ideas and new voices across the cast and the writing and production teams has been key to the longevity of the series.

    The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey and it has been established in the show that Time Lords can switch gender.

    As the Controller of BBC Drama has said, 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.

    We hope viewers will enjoy what we have in store for the continuation of the story.