Jodie Whittaker Announced as 'Doctor Who’s' First Female Doctor

The BBC put an end to months of speculation this weekend by finally announcing the identity of Doctor Who’s Thirteenth Doctor. And surprise: The show decided to make some history along the way.

That’s right, for the first time the iconic Time Lord will be played by a woman. Broadchurch actress Jodie Whittaker will officially take over the keys to the TARDIS following outgoing Doctor Peter Capaldi’s departure this December. While it’s assumed that Whittaker’s first appearance will take place in the as-yet-untitled Christmas special in which Capaldi regenerates, that’s pretty much all we know.

And even then, we won’t see much. Traditionally, the new Doctor appears at the very end of the episode in which the character regenerates. (These days, that’s during a Christmas episode.) They maybe get to say a line or two. And that’s about it. Season 11 likely won’t start filming until sometime later this year, and probably won’t air until mid to late 2018. So it’ll be a good while before we get a real look at what Thirteen is like. (So prepare your expectations accordingly.)

It’ll have only taken 54 years, by the time this event comes to pass, but, wow.  Talk about a game changer. And as someone who’s watched and loved Doctor Who for quite a long time – and who is also a woman – it’s difficult to articulate precisely why this means so much to me. But, whew, it does. It’s time. It’s so past time.

Watch the annoucement for yourselves below: