It’s been a long time in the making, but as Doctor Who celebrates its 60th anniversary this weekend, it enters a new era—one that will, at least, close the book on the recent tenure of Jodie Whittaker’s 13th Doctor. But as the actress begins to launch her own next chapter, she is still fondly looking back on her time as a Time Lord.
Speaking to Radio Times this week as part of its celebration of Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary, Whittaker—who, the day after Doctor Who’s anniversary, is set premiere her next drama series, One Night—touched on the bittersweet nature of the timing of it all. “What a thing to be part of,” Whittaker noted, adding that there were no regrets she herself isn’t a part of Doctor Who’s upcoming celebrations. “I’m never fired from it. I’m always the Doctor.”
Instead, she gets to participate in a past Doctor tradition—watching along as a fan for the first time, rather than someone in the know. “Now I get to see the joy in someone else’s eyes. I can’t wait,” Whittaker added. “I’m new to this as well, because I didn’t really watch it before. So now I get to be a proper audience member and I get all the references! Now I understand it!”
Doctor Who returns this Saturday, November 25, on the BBC in the UK and Ireland and Disney+ internationally with “The Star Beast,” the first in a trio of weekly specials celebrating the series’ 60th anniversary.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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