Radio Times

Tuesday, 17 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

The new edition of the Radio Times for 21-27th July 2018 features the new Doctor, Jodie Whittaker on the front cover, and has exclusive interviews with both the actress and new series showrunner, Chris Chibnall.

Talking about the casting of the first female Doctor, Chris said the show would have been behind the times if the new Doctor hadn’t been female and that it was important for the new series to be accessible to all viewers:

I think if we hadn’t done it, we would have been behind the world – and Doctor Who has to be out front leading the world, showcasing all the amazing things out there. So it was never a question in my mind. It was time.

Jodie added that as the first female Doctor there was less pressure on her and it’s an honour play a role that’s attainable to all:

And now it isn’t just attainable for half of the population. The other half can be the Doctor as well. Girls will no longer just think, ‘Oh, I could be a companion.’ Being the first female Doctor and showing children that their heroes in shows don’t always look the same is a huge honour for me.

Chris has hopes that the new era for the show will also introduce a new generation of fans:

If you’ve never seen Doctor Who, or want to introduce your children or family and friends to it, this series is the perfect point to start. It was really important to me that there’s no barrier to entry. You don’t need to know about anything that’s come before. We’ve got a new Doctor, all-new characters, all-new monsters, all-new stories. It’s going to be exciting, emotional and the most enormous fun.

You can read the full interviews in the latest Radio Times, available in shops from today.

FILTER: - Magazines - Radio Times - UK