Doctor Who: 7 Reasons Jodie Whittaker Will Make A Great 13th Doctor

Born in 1982, Jodie Whittaker missed the classic run of the series and can’t be described as a fan in the same way as David Tennant or Peter Capaldi. But there’s little doubt that she would have been attracted to the show had she been around in its heyday. Her excitement about becoming part of the Doctor Who community shines through in her first interviews since the announcement.

Whittaker’s favourite movie as a child, the one that inspired her to become an actor was cult classic The Goonies. She previously said: "My sole reason for wanting to be an actress was seeing the kids in that film slide down a waterslide.” That interest in cult television is still as strong as ever, with the character of 11 in Stranger Things being a particular favourite.

It explains why, despite Whittaker’s undoubted model looks, the roles she has taken on have been far from orthodox. She was never going to accept an offer to play the companion in the traditional sense, and indeed in early discussions with Chris Chibnall she first put herself forward to play a villain part.

Whittaker’s passion for the unusual and for branches of film and television (e.g. Chinese documentaries) that would go under most people’s radar means that she will fit in perfectly with the fan community. A big part of the role of the Doctor these days is the extra-curriculum engagement with fans across the world in conventions and the like and Whittaker is likely to take them by storm.