After 36 seasons and 12 doctors, the title character of “Doctor Who” has finally regenerated into a female body.

Jodie Whittaker will be the first woman to play the Doctor, the BBC announced Sunday. She will inherit the role of the alien adventurer from Peter Capaldi, who announced he would step down in January.

Ms. Whittaker previously starred as Beth Latimer on the BBC drama “Broadchurch.” She will join another “Broadchurch” alumnus, its creator, Chris Chibnall, who will become the showrunner of “Doctor Who” following Steven Moffatt’s departure.