The moment Whovians have been waiting for finally arrived earlier as BBC announced that Broadchurch actress Jodie Whittaker will be the next incarnation of The Doctor on the hit sci-fi series Doctor Who. Since the announcement, the internet has had a massive divide between those in support of the first female Doctor and those that oppose. While fans may be divided, the 13th Doctor herself has some reassuring words for those that oppose as well as those still on the fence.

Doctor Who has become a worldwide phenomena over the course of the last 54 years, so it is somewhat understandable why some people may be taking to the news a little harder than others. Let’s be honest though, in 54 years has the show ever made any decisions that would ultimately ruin the show? As with every Doctor in the past, there’s an adjustment period following the loss of one Doctor and letting the next grow on you. David Tennant and Matt Smith were two very different Doctors and the same goes with the transition between Smith and Capaldi. Each Doctor brings s their own flare to the series that we’ve all come to love. So, the fact that the newest Doctor is a female shouldn’t change that in any way.

Nevertheless, there are more than a few who doubt the decision to bring on Whittaker as the first female Doctor. Before too much judgement is set in place, some may want to hear what she has to say about taking the role, and what portraying the Doctor means to her. In an interview with BBC, she had stated:

“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.”

“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.”

Despite some of the backlash, Whittaker seems to be confident that she will do the character justice, regardless of any negativity coming from non-supporters. In another interview, the actress commented:

“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,” Whittaker said. “It feels incredible.”

“The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.”

“To be asked to play the ultimate character, to get to play pretend in the truest form: this is why I wanted to be an actor in the first place. To be able to play someone who is literally reinvented on screen, with all the freedoms that brings: what an unbelievable opportunity. And added to that, to be the first woman in that role.”

Regardless of where you stand on the news, as a Whovian, you owe it to yourself and the integrity of the series as a whole to at least give her a shot and trust the casting decision before passing any final judgement. This is not the first time fans have been divided, and it won’t be the last. Who knows, maybe she turns out to be the absolute best Doctor to ever pilot the T.A.R.D.I.S. It’s impossible to find out without giving her a shot. The first chance you will get to find that out will be on this year’s Christmas special, as Peter Capaldi says goodbye and we usher in a new Doctor.

What are your thoughts so far on Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor? Do you think this will be an exciting change to the dynamic of the show? Sound off in the comments section below. Be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter to catch or 24/7 live feed of the hottest news in gaming and entertainment.