Penguin Random House has renewed their “important and successful” partnership with BBC Books to continue publishing Doctor Who content until at least 2019, it has been confirmed.

As The Bookseller reports, the new two series deal – which includes all formats including non-fiction, fiction, activity, novelty, audio and the annual – will coincide with Jodie Whittaker’s inception as the Thirteenth Doctor, which the head of publishing, Jan Paterson, has described as “an exciting new era” for the show.

He added: “We have a long history of publishing alongside Doctor Who so we are really delighted to be able to continue.”

Browse the latest Doctor Who products on sale now in our merchandise section…

The BBC have issued an official response to complaints regarding Jodie Whittaker’s casting as the first female incarnation of the Doctor.

The actress was announced as Peter Capaldi’s successor in the iconic role last week, with the news instantly – and inevitably – dividing the fandom and casual viewers alike.

The BBC’s official response reads:

Since the first Doctor regenerated back in 1966, the concept of the Doctor as a constantly evolving being has been central to the programme. The continual input of fresh ideas and new voices across the cast and the writing and production teams has been key to the longevity of the series.

The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey and it has been established in the show that Time Lords can switch gender.

As the Controller of BBC Drama has said, Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor. She aced it in her audition both technically and with the powerful female life force she brings to the role. She is destined to be an utterly iconic Doctor.

We hope viewers will enjoy what we have in store for the continuation of the story.

Georgia Moffett will be reprising her role as Jenny, the Doctor’s daughter, for a new Big Finish audio series, Radio Times has confirmed.

The character, who was introduced in Series 4, will helm the new adventures alongside her very own companion played by Sean Biggerstaff, who Harry Potter fans will recognise for his portrayal of Oliver Wood.

Recording will take place over the summer with the first release expected later this year.

Are you excited that Jenny is back? No doubt she has been doing an awful lot of running…

The specially recorded scene announcing Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor has so far been viewed over 16 million times online, it has been revealed.

Following its televisual debut after the Wimbledon’s Men’s final on Sunday, which was seen by 4.6 million viewers, the historic clip has been watched 9.8 million times on the BBC One Facebook, with an additional 2.5 million views on the show’s official Twitter account, making it the most successful Doctor Who related tweet all of time.

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, said: “To see the overwhelmingly positive response to the news that Jodie Whittaker will star as the Thirteenth Doctor, and that the reveal has had over 16 million views online so far, is phenomenal. It is exhilarating to see the series engaging on so many levels and I can’t wait to see her in action on BBC One at Christmas.”

Jodie has said that playing the first female Doctor will be “completely overwhelming”.

Thanks to BBC Worldwide.

The BBC have released a new interview with Jodie Whittaker to accompany her reveal as the first female incarnation of the Doctor.

The actress was announced as the Thirteenth Doctor in a new clip which premiered on BBC One earlier today (Sunday) and has described landing the iconic role as “an unbelievable opportunity” which still feels “completely overwhelming”.

You can read the full Q&A with our brand new Doctor below and discuss the breaking news in the comments.

Q. What does it feel like to be the Thirteenth Doctor?
A. It’s very nerve-racking, as it’s been so secret!

Q. Why did you want the role?
A. 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.

Q. Has it been hard to keep the secret?
A. Yes. Very hard! I’ve told a lot of lies! I’ve embroiled myself in a whole world of lies which is going to come back at me when this is announced!

Q. Who was the first person you told when you got the role?
A. My husband. Because I was allowed to!

Q. Did you have a codename and if so what was it?
A. In my home, and with my agent, it was The Clooney. Because to me and my husband, George is an iconic guy. And we thought: what’s a really famous iconic name? It was just fitting.

Q. What does it feel like to be the first woman Doctor?
A. 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. It feels incredible.

Q. What do you want to tell the fans?
A. 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. The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.

Q. What are you most excited about?
A. I’m most excited about becoming part of a family I didn’t even know existed. I was born in 1982, it’s been around longer than me, and it’s a family I couldn’t ever have dreamed I’d be part of.

Q. How did Chris sell you the part?
A. We had a strange chat earlier this year where he tricked me into thinking we were talking about Broadchurch. And I started to quiz him about his new job in Wales, and asked him if I could be a baddie! And he quickly diverted the conversation to suggest I should consider auditioning to be the 13th Clooney.

It was the most incredible chat because I asked every question under the sun, and I said I’d take a few weeks to decide whether I was going to audition. He got a phone call within 24 hours. He would’ve got a phone call sooner, but my husband was away and there was a time difference!

Q. Did he persuade you?
A. No. There was no persuasion needed. If you need to be persuaded to do this part, you’re not right for this part, and the part isn’t right for you. I also think, for anyone taking this on, you have to want to fight for it, which I certainly had to do. I know there will have been some phenomenal actors who threw their hats in the ring.

Q. What are you going to wear?
A. Don’t know yet.

Q. Is that your costume in the filmed sequence which introduced you as the new Doctor?
A. No.
Q. Have any of the other Doctors given you advice?
A. Well they can’t because they haven’t known until now, but I’m certainly expecting a couple of calls – I’ve got a couple of mates in there. I’m mates with a companion [Arthur Darvill], I’m mates with a trio of Doctors. I know Matt Smith, Chris Eccleston and obviously David Tennant. Oh! And let’s throw in David Bradley! Four Doctors! So I’m hoping I get some calls of advice.

After months of speculation, Jodie Whittaker has been announced as the Thirteenth Doctor in Doctor Who.

As the first female to officially (sorry, Joanna Lumley!) portray the iconic role, the actress will make her debut as the Time Lord in this year’s Christmas Special.

She said: “I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey with every Whovian on the planet. It’s more than an honour which means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope.”

Her era will be overseen by incoming showrunner Chris Chibnall, who she has previously worked with on his ITV drama Broadchurch. Chris has described Jodie as his “number one choice”, adding: “I always knew I wanted the next Doctor to be a woman. Jodie’s audition blew us all away. Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and she will bring wit, strength and warmth to the role. The Thirteenth Doctor is on her way.”

The Thirteenth Doctor is... Jodie Whittaker! Initial thoughts?

• OMG. They finally did it. A female Doctor?! The show needed a shake up, and this is it. Bring it on.
• This is exactly the sort of announcement I was dreading. This is a sad day.
• I'll reserve judgement until I've seen her on screen, but there's no denying she is a fantastic actress.

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Peter Capaldi, who will be handing over the TARDIS keys to Jodie in the festive adventure, commented: “Anyone who’s seen Jodie Whittaker’s work will know that she’s a wonderful actress of great individuality. Above all, she has the huge heart to play this special part.”

What a day! Discuss your reactions to the historic news in the comments below…

It only feels like yesterday that Peter Capaldi was being sworn in as the Twelfth Doctor, but time really does fly when you’re having fun because it’s already over three years later and his successor is about to be unveiled…

The Thirteenth Doctor will be officially announced after the Wimbledon’s men’s singles final on BBC One this afternoon, and as always WhovianNet is here to keep you up to date with all of the latest developments as and when they occur. Get involved with the festivities in the comments below or via the hashtag #WhovianNetLive.

The Chris Chibnall era is about to begin as Number 13 is revealed unto the world!

3:55pm: The game is over! The #13thDoctor is imminent. Get ready, folks. Time and space is about to get a new face… #WhovianNetLive #DoctorWho

3:38pm: What are you doing to pass the time until the #13thDoctor reveal? It’s like waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve… #WhovianNetLive #DoctorWho

3:12pm: Is this how time normally passes? Reeeeally slowly. It’s like watching a tennis match. Oh, wait… #13thDoctor #WhovianNetLive #DoctorWho

2:48pm: Peter Capaldi was snuck into the studios dressed as a Dalek for his reveal. We wonder what disguise – if any – 13 has been given? #DoctorWho

2:29pm: Still love this quote from Peter Capaldi, from his live reveal. And yes, *that* typo still haunts our nightmares. #WhovianNetLive #DoctorWho

“#DoctorWho is still with us because of every single viewer who’s taken it to their hearts. It belongs to all of us.” – Peter Capildi #DrWho

2:27pm: #DoctorWho doesn’t make announcements half-heartedly. Who could forget Peter’s live reveal as 12? #WhovianNetLive

2:16pm: Keep your #13thDoctor predictions coming! We wonder how they’re feeling, knowing their life is about to change… #WhovianNetLive #DoctorWho

2:11pm: .@TimelordLibrary’s dream #13thDoctor is Gillian Anderson, while @steveashfield is rooting for Rory Kinnear. #WhovianNetLive #DoctorWho

2:00pm: Giveaway time! Follow us & tweet your dream #13thDoctor w/ the hashtag #WhovianNetLive for chance to WIN Series 10 Part 2 on DVD! #DoctorWho

NB: If you’re not on Twitter, you can still enter by commenting with your dream 13th Doctor below! Please ensure your email address is correct, as this will be used to contact you if you’re the winner.

1:47pm: Welcome to the followers who’ve joined us for the #13thDoctor reveal! Warming the cockles of our Whovian hearts. #WhovianNetLive #DoctorWho

1:41pm: Who’s it gonna be? #ICYMI, here’s our list of the most popular contenders –> http://bit.ly/2ttqnBd #13thDoctor #WhovianNetLive #DoctorWho

1:14pm: As it stands, Kris Marshall, Phoebe Waller-Bridge & Jodie Whittaker are the top #13thDoctor favourites. Discuss. #WhovianNetLive #DoctorWho

1:02pm: So, let’s kick off the festivities with a poll. It’s an age-old question, but should the #13thDoctor be a female? #WhovianNetLive #DoctorWho

1:00pm: And we’re off! Any hour now, he/she is a-comin’… We’ll be covering it all here and at http://bit.ly/2us59Ys #WhovianNetLive #DoctorWho

After weeks and months of fevered speculation, it’s hard to believe that we’re now just hours away from finding out the identity of the Thirteenth Doctor.

Now that Peter Capaldi has filmed his final scenes for this year’s Christmas Special, the new Chris Chibnall era is about to mark its first milestone with the announcement of its honourable hero. And as first milestones go, this is a pretty big one. It’s the most closely guarded secret in TV, but who is about to take over the mantle of TV’s favourite Time Lord? Here’s our list of the most popular candidates…

Kris Marshall

Well, we might as well start with the most obvious. You’d have to have been living under a rock to not know that Kris Marshall has been front-running the race since betting was suspended on him back in March. All he did was quit his leading role in Death in Paradise – which he starred in for three series – at the same time that Peter Capaldi announced his departure (coincidence?), and all of a sudden it was common knowledge – albeit the type that isn’t based on any actual facts – that the My Family star was taking over the TARDIS. He denied it, of course, but actors lying about their involvement in Doctor Who is basically rule one.

Tom Weston-Jones

Speculation about who will take on the guise of the Thirteenth Doctor has been rife since Peter revealed that he was stepping down, but the rumours have actually been flying a lot longer than that.

Back in January 2016, Tom Weston-Jones emerged as a very early favourite to take over the show’s reigns from its incumbent incarnation, who was at that point yet to even confirm his exit. Why waste time, eh?

Not much has been heard from the Dickensian actor since, but we’re still keeping an eye on him…

Idris Elba

Because let’s face it, which role isn’t Idris Elba in the running for? His name is guaranteed to pop up whenever a new Doctor is waiting in the wings (or whenever there’s a vacancy in any other show/film ever…), so it’s no surprise to see him back on the board this time round. He has secured the support of Series 9 guest star Maisie Williams, who reckons the Luther star would bring a “really cool” vibe to the temperament of TV’s favourite Time Lord. He might just have bigger fish to fry, though, if these ever persistent Bond rumours amount to anything. Franchises, eh? You can’t front ‘em all.

Tilda Swinton

While the call for a female Doctor is by no means a new notion, the campaign certainly seems to have intensified for Number 13. It’s an unlucky number for some but it definitely wouldn’t be for Tilda Swinton (erm, that’s the Academy Award winning Tilda Swinton to you), who has been feverishly flying the flag to become the first ever female Doctor – whether she wants to be or not. She’s got Ingrid Oliver’s blessing, and Billie Piper has also gone on record to state that casting anybody but a female would “be a snub”. Wow, Billie. Tell us what you really think, why don’t you? Jokes. She’s Rose Tyler and she can say whatever she bloody wants, you hear me?!

Damien Molony

No stranger to the reputable realms of cult TV fantasy, Damien Molony is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Hal Yorke in the BBC Three series Being Human. The show gave him plenty of things to get his teeth into (ICYMI, he was a vampire), so much so that creator Toby Whithouse thinks he has more than paid his dramatic dues to take on the mighty Time Lord baton, describing him as a “terrific” actor. Toby, who is a frequent Doctor Who writer, has also named Chiwetel Ejiofor as his second choice. But if he returns to pen an adventure for Series 11, will he be writing for his dream Doctor? Time will tell. It usually does.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Having just finished filming the upcoming untitled Han Solo film, due to hit cinemas next May, it looks like Phoebe Waller-Bridge has set her sights on conquering another formidable sci-fi franchise, now that she’s been bitten by the bug. That is, if the recent claim that she’s been cast as the Thirteenth Doctor isn’t just another case of clickbait…

The actress received a flurry of bets to her name back in April and her proposed casting was even picked up on a recent episode of Newsnight which suggested that she had “accidentally outed herself” during an online interview. Oops.

Sacha Dhawan

If you recognise Sacha Dhawan, it’s probably because he contributed to the 50th anniversary festivities back in 2013 when he portrayed Doctor Who’s first ever director, Waris Hussein, in the docudrama An Adventure in Space and Time. Having already left his mark on the Whoniverse, he might just be about to take over the whole show, but he’s just as “honoured” to have even be considered. “It’s quite a lot of pressure,” he said earlier this year. “But I think I’d bring something exciting to it.” It’s better to have been rumoured to be the next Doctor, than to never have been rumoured to be the next Doctor at all. They say that, right?

Jodie Whittaker

Last but by no means least is a relatively late entry to the race, but a serious contender nonetheless.

Like, a seriously serious contender. In fact, Jodie Whittaker is currently the bookies’ joint favourite to take over the role, which puts her neck in neck with Kris Marshall as far as the whimsical world of betting is concerned.

It’s worth pointing out that she’s worked with Chris Chibnall before, too, having starred as the formidable Beth Latimer in his acclaimed crime drama, Broadchurch. But is she about to be entrusted with the keys to the TARDIS?

Should the next Doctor be a female? Join the debate in our dedicated discussion…

The actor/actress who will be portraying the Thirteenth Doctor in Doctor Who will finally be unveiled this weekend, the BBC has announced.

The identity of Peter Capaldi’s successor in the iconic role will be revealed after the Wimbledon men’s singles tennis final on BBC One on Sunday 16th July 2017. They will make their on screen debut in this year’s Christmas Special.

So, who will it be? Leave your predictions, hopes and dream Doctors in the comments below…

Should the next Doctor be a female? Join the debate in our dedicated discussion…

WhovianNet recently caught up with Ingrid Oliver to chat about her upcoming one woman show, Speech!.

The actress will be riding solo at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival next month as she introduces audiences to her catalogue of politically-charged characters, including a drunk Washington staffer and a patriotic actress accepting her Oscar.

We chatted to Ingrid ahead of the production, as well as about her portrayal of fan favourite Osgood in Doctor Who, and her thoughts on a female Doctor…

Q. Hi, Ingrid! In a nutshell (and without giving too much away), what can you tell us about Speech!, and where did inspiration behind it come from?
A. Speech! is a series of characters that explore different sides of the political spectrum. Some characters are political with a big P and some with a small P so there’s something for everyone. I’m fascinated by the divisiveness of the current political climate and I’ve always been interested in exploring all sides of an argument, so that’s how the show came about. It allows me to say some quite outrageous things because I’m using a character’s voice to say them.

Q. Speaking of the current political climate, did you write it with a particular target audience in mind?
A. I haven’t written this show with an audience in mind. I’m just exploring the things that are interesting to me. Hopefully they will also be interesting to my audience. I think if anyone has been as fascinated by recent events as I have, they would be interested in some of the things I bring up in my show.

Q. What are the most exciting and/or scariest aspects of performing in a solo show, especially one that is made up of your own material?
A. What if I forget my lines? What if I get ill? What if they hate me and they’re stuck with me for an hour?! These are all the thoughts that have been running through my head for the last month. But similarly, if it goes well, I get all the glory. Me. It’s mine. All mine.

Q. When did you first realise that you had a knack for comedy?
A. It took a while. I went to school with a lot of funny girls. I was friends with Lorna Watson (my double act partner) and Katherine Parkinson who were both in my year, but I never felt as funny as them. When I left school, I realised that I had been the third funniest person in a group of girls who were disproportionately funny. Which is still quite funny. Actually, scrap that. Rebecca Currie was the funniest girl in our year and she didn’t even go into comedy, which is a travesty. So after her, I was the fourth funniest. And probably not even that, to be honest.

Q. Of all of the characters that feature in the show, do you have a favourite to play?
A. There’s a particularly hateful LBC Radio DJ that is a lot of fun to do because I get to say the most horrific things. It’s always fun playing a villain. Just ask Michelle Gomez.

Q. Speaking of strong female characters, Doctor Who fans will, of course, recognise you as Osgood. How did your role in the series come about?
A. I simply auditioned for it. I stole my boyfriend’s thick, black glasses for the casting because I felt that they were what Osgood would wear, pretending I needed them to read. When I got the phone call saying I’d got the part, they asked if I could bring the glasses. I’m still not sure to this day if it’s my acting that got the part, or my boyfriend’s Ray-Bans…

Q. What was it like to make your debut in such an iconic episode as the 50th anniversary special, and did you know that you’d be back?
A. The 50th anniversary was one of the most incredible things to be a part of. I have so many separate and distinct memories from it. Filming in Trafalgar Square, filming at the Tower of London, wearing the Tom Baker scarf, acting with Matt Smith, David Tennant and John Hurt AT THE SAME TIME. One of my favourite off-set memories is sitting next to John Hurt at dinner and him berating me on my choice of wine. “Oh my dear, you must NEVER touch a Sauvignon. Ghastly stuff.” And no, I had no idea at the time I’d be back.

Q. Osgood has had some great comedy moments but have you enjoyed exploring other aspects of her character, especially in the Series 9 Zygon two-parter?
A. It was lovely to explore Osgood more fully in the Zygon Invasion/Inversion. I was so grateful to be brought back and be allowed to do that. Also, getting the chance to do one on one scenes with Peter was wonderful. He really makes you up your game because he’s just an incredible actor. I learnt a lot from him. It’s funny, because I know Peter Harness who wrote the episodes, and I joked with him about putting in a huge dramatic monologue for me as well as a make-over scene. He didn’t do either. Sadly.

Q. You’ve most recently reprised your role as Osgood for Big Finish audios, but would you like to return on screen?
A. Is the TARDIS bigger on the inside? Yes. Of course I would.

Q. Do you think it’s time for a female Doctor and if so, who would be your top pick?
A. I would love to see a female Doctor. I’d go for someone like Helena Bonham Carter or Tilda Swinton. Or Jennifer Saunders. I’d bloody love that. I think the world is ready.

Ingrid Oliver performs her one woman show, Speech! at Pleasance: That from 2nd-27th August at 4.30pm. For tickets call 0131 556 6550 or visit www.pleasance.co.uk.