The actress shares the emotional challenges and rewards of being the first female Doctor, as she prepares to pass on the mantle.
Jodie Whittaker has revealed the emotional toll and profound impact of playing the iconic Doctor Who, admitting that the experience was far more “emotionally challenging” than she had initially anticipated. Whittaker, who made history as the first woman to portray the Doctor, described the role as “so much more than a role” and spoke about the heartbreak of seeing fellow castmates leave during her time on the show.
Taking over from Peter Capaldi, Whittaker portrayed the 13th Doctor from 2017 until her final episode, The Power of the Doctor, set to air on October 23. Throughout her tenure, she was joined by co-stars such as Mandip Gill, Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole, and John Bishop. Whittaker recalled how the experience of working alongside them was incredibly fulfilling, despite the emotional challenges of the changing cast dynamics.
In an interview with The Big Issue, Whittaker shared her feelings on the role: “It’s a whole world. And it’s the most exciting world to be in,” she said. She added that she had been swept up in the euphoria of playing the Doctor, something she never expected would be so emotionally taxing. Yet, Whittaker found beauty in the role’s fluidity, noting how she could “hand it on” and become a fan of the show once more, anticipating where the story would go next.
Although her casting sparked some online controversy due to the female portrayal of a character traditionally played by men, Whittaker said she always felt supported. Reflecting on her time in the role, she expressed no regrets. “I would have loved it if my last season had been me, Mandip, and John, plus Brad and Tosin. When those guys left, I found it really heartbreaking – it was like breaking up the band. But then we got a great new band member. So it’s not a regret, just a petulant child who doesn’t like change.”
Whittaker will be succeeded by Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa, who she praised as “far more qualified than me” to take on the legendary role.
To read the full interview with Jodie Whittaker, pick up this week’s The Big Issue magazine.
