The BBC has revealed a shocking gender change in Doctor Who as Jodie Whittaker was confirmed as the 13th regeneration of the series' main character.
Whittaker, known for her role in successful British TV drama Broadchurch, will replace the outbound Peter Capaldi and the show's bosses are seemingly thrilled to have the 35-year-old actress on board.
Chris Chibnall, Doctor Who's new executive producer and head writer, expressed his delight: "I always knew I wanted the 13th Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice. Her audition for the Doctor simply blew us all away.
“Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength and warmth to the role. The 13th Doctor is on her way.”
Meet the Thirteenth Doctor #DoctorWho #Doctor13 pic.twitter.com/wycdcneZ7o
— BBC One (@BBCOne) 16 July 2017
The announcement was made on Twitter, as seen above, and in historic circumstances.
Not only because Whittaker will soon become the first-ever female Doctor, but the news was announced just after Switzerland's Roger Federer captured his record 19th tennis grand slam as he defeated Marin Cilic at Wimbledon to seal his eighth tournament-winning victory on Centre Court.
It was widely reported that the next Doctor would be Kris Marshall, following his exit from a leading role in 'Death in Paradise,' with the actor being the odds-on favourite before betting ended earlier today.
Nevertheless, such rumours were brushed aside by the confirmation of Jodie Whittaker's appointment this afternoon.
Speaking about landing the role, she said: “I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey – with Chris and with every Whovian on this planet. It’s more than an honour to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can’t wait.”
Fans of the show will not have to wait too long for their new Doctor to make her highly anticipated debut, however, as Whittaker will be involved in this year's Christmas Special.
