The BBC has heard the outrage over Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor Who casting and they … don’t care. In a new statement, BBC One has addressed complaints from fans head-on: “Some viewers contacted us unhappy that Jodie Whittaker has been cast as the new Doctor.†Well, the BBC reminds, the Doctor is an alien and Time Lords have always been able to change their gender. Whittaker is here to stay. It’s a polite and sassy swerve:
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.
It’s not quite as pithy as Merriam-Webster’s reply, but it’s plenty shady.