After a lot of guessing, rumors, and false reporting, the BBC today announced that Jodie Whittaker will be stepping into the coveted role of the Doctor in Doctor Who. Whittaker will play the 13th Time Lord taking over for Peter Capaldi who last played the role. Capaldi took over the role in 2013 and will end his run during this year’s Christmas Special during which Whittaker will make her debut.

Whittaker was announced in a trailer that followed Wimbledon after much build up.

The new Doctor Who showrunner is Chris Chibnall who worked with Whittaker on the widely praised Broadcurch.

There has been a movement to shake up the character for some time replacing the usual white male with a person of color or woman. The series has been setting up the possibility for some time with the latest villain the Master changing genders (briliantly played by Michelle Gomez). This season especially the Doctor has hinted at the possibility especially in the second last episode of the season where numerous lines set up the new reality (the Doctor talks about gender being different for Time Lords as an example).