Doctor Who fans are counting down the months until we get to see Jodie Whittaker make her proper debut as the Thirteenth Doctor when the show returns to our screens this autumn. And so, while we wait for more info on the new run to come to light, why not dig into what the actress’ opinions on the history of Who are? For instance, who’s her favourite Doctor? Other than herself, obviously.
In an illuminating interview with The Sunday Times, Whittaker didn’t even pause before revealing who she thinks the best ever incarnation of the titular character is, choosing David Tennant, who played the Tenth Doctor from 2005-2010.
“David [Tennant is my favourite] of course, because I know him. I think he was amazing. But there is no right or wrong, there are no rules.”
This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Like the actress says, Whittaker and Tennant are good friends from their starring roles on crime drama Broadchurch. In fact, it was that series which got her the Doctor Who gig, as writer Chris Chibnall brought Whittaker with him when he was appointed the new showrunner. Furthermore, the actress has even said in the past that she only got into the iconic sci-fi show during Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant’s era.
Maybe we can read something into the fact that Tennant’s portrayal of the Time Lord is her favourite, though. Will she maybe take inspiration from the Tenth Doctor, who’s probably the most human and emotional of the lot? It’s possible, as it’s generally expected that season 11 will bring the show back towards a more down-to-earth feel. Literally, in fact, as the final moments of the recent Christmas special saw the Thirteenth Doctor falling out of the TARDIS.
It seems like the appreciation is mutual, too, as Tennant has spoken a few times about how awesome he expects Whittaker’s tenure in the role to be. Recently, he even revealed that he has some inside info on the series. Maybe the duo will get to pair up in some future special? We can only hope.
Doctor Who season 11 arrives on the BBC this October.