Colin Baker thinks casting Jodie Whittaker in 'Doctor Who' was the "right thing" to do.
Colin Baker
The 35-year-old actress was announced on Sunday (16.07.17) to be taking on the role of the 13th incarnation of the time traveller in BBC's long running hit sci-fi show making her the first woman to do so, and Colin - who played the sixth Doctor from 1984 to 1986 - has heaped praise on the casting choice.
In a series of tweets posted after the news was released on Sunday, Colin wrote: "Well I never the BBC really did do the right thing and let the Doctor be in touch with her feminine side. As a father of daughters - result!
"Change my dears and not a moment too soon - she IS the Doctor whether you like it or not! (sic)"
And the 74-year-old actor added he was "amazed" at the critics who claimed they wouldn't be tuning in to watch the next series because of the decision to cast a female in the iconic role, as he dubbed it "very sad".
He continued: "And to those making 'parking the Tardis' jokes - name me one make Doctor that was unfailingly good at that!
"Cannot deny that I am amazed by the 'never watch it again' reaction by some viewers ( I hesitate to call them 'fans'). Very sad (sic)"
Colin's comments come after Jodie - who captured the nation's hearts with her performance as Beth Latimer in ITV's 'Broadchurch' - said in a statement to the BBC that she hopes people won't be "scared" by her gender.
She said: "It feels completely overwhelming, as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human, as someone who wants to continually push themselves and challenge themselves, and not be boxed in by what you're told you can and can't be. It feels incredible.
"I want to tell the fans not to be scared by my gender. 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."
Jodie will take over from current actor Peter Capaldi when he leaves the show during the Christmas special this year, which will coincide with the departure of showrunner Steven Moffat as he is replaced by 'Broadchurch' creator Chris Chibnall.
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