Jodie Whittaker has urged 'Doctor Who' fans to follow social distancing rules.

Jodie Whittaker

Jodie Whittaker

The 37-year-old actress donned the titular Time Lord's trademark overcoat and striped shirt to deliver a special message to Whovians in a bid to protect the NHS and save lives during the coronavirus lockdown.

In a short clip posted on the BBC's Twitter account, Jodie, 37, said: "From one Doctor on behalf of every doctor, nurse, carer and frontline worker, please remember these important rules. Stay at home. Only go outside for food, health reasons or work, if your work definitely can't be done from home.

"Stay two metres/ six feet away from other people. Wash your hands, anyone can spread the virus. Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives. You've got this."

Her message comes shortly after former showrunner Steven Moffat released 'The Terror of the Umpty Ums', a short story featuring the Doctor, to entertain fans during isolation.

Despite Chris Chibnall replacing him when he stepped down from the role in 2017, Steven jumped at the chance to write for the BBC One show again.

He said: "Chris got in touch with me and Russell and asked if we could generate some stuff. And of course you have to in these circumstances.

"It was quite strange to be back doing 'Doctor Who', I have to say. It's actually quite a long while since I did that. But it's lovely. And if it's making these dreadful days even moderately more bearable for a small number of people, I guess that's worth it."

The short marks the first time Steven has written for the current Doctor.

He explained: "I'm sure it'd be fine to have previous Doctors if people wanted that. It just felt right to me to write the current one. It's quite a big decision to say 'Oh it's going to be Peter Capaldi, or Matt Smith, or Tom Baker.' That doesn't feel as current.

"And it was lovely to write Jodie's Doctor - I found it quite easy. It's a very vivid portrayal, Jodie and Chris have set down very clear lines about how she operates and how she talks."

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