The BBC has revealed Jodie Whittaker will replace Peter Capaldi on Doctor Who, becoming the 13th actor and first woman to play the iconic Time Lord.

Whittaker, 35, is best known for playing Beth Latimer in the ITV drama Braodchurch, along with various film roles, such as St Trinian's, Attack the Block, and Venus.

Much of the conversation beforehand centred around whether Capaldi’s replacement would be a woman, the series 10 finale even hinting at an all-female future.

Other actors to have played the Doctor in recent years include Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, and Matt Smith, but a woman has never held the role despite Time Lords being able to regenerate as women (as demonstrated when Michelle Gomez became The Master/Missy).

Whittaker said of taking the role: “I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey – with Chris [Chibnall, showrunner] and with every Whovian on this planet.

Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Show all 10 1 /10 Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Maisie Williams – (left: She'll make a special appearance in Doctor Who, right: Game of Thrones – Arya) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Tobias Menzies (left: Doctor Who – Lieutenant Stepashin, Cold War, right: Game of Thrones – Edmure Tully) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones David Bradley: (left: Doctor Who – William Hartnell, An Adventure through Space and Time; GoT – Walder Frey) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Liam Cunningham (left: Doctor Who – Captain Zhukov, right: Cold War & Got – Davos Seaworth) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Joe Dempsie – (left: Doctor Who - Cline, The Doctor’s Daughter; right: Game of Thrones – Gendry) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Thomas Brodie-Sangster (left: Doctor Who - Tim Latimer, Human Nature/The Family of Blood; right: Ggame of Thrones - Jojen Reed) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Iain Glen (left: Doctor Who – Octavian, Flesh and Stone/The Time of Angels; right: Game of Thrones - Ser Jorah Mormont) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Julian Glover (Doctor Who - Count Scarlioni/Scaroth, City of Death; Game of Thrones - Grand Maester Pycelle BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Dame Diana Rigg (Doctor Who - Mrs. Gillyflower, The Crimson Horror; Game of Thrones - Olenna Tyrell/Queen of Thorns) BBC/HBO Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Stars in Doctor Who and Game of Thrones Harry Lloyd (Doctor Who – Baines, Human Nature/The Family of Blood; Game of Thrones Viserys Targareyenn) BBC/HBO

“It’s more than an honour to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can’t wait.”

Capaldi will play the Doctor once more during the Christmas special, the episode marking Steven Moffat’s last as showrunner.

Chris Chibnall, who created Broadchurch, takes over from Moffat, the upcoming eleventh series marking a reunion between himself and Whittaker.

Chibnall said: “I always knew I wanted the 13th Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice. Her audition for the Doctor simply blew us all away.

“Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength and warmth to the role. The 13th Doctor is on her way.”

Capaldi said: “Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker’s work will know that she is a wonderful actress of great individuality and charm. She has above all the huge heart to play this most special part. She’s going to be a fantastic Doctor.”

Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor

The bookies had Whittaker and Death in Paradise's Kris Marshall as favourites to take the titular role, Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge and British comedian Tom Rosenthal close behind.

Whittaker has also had roles in the TV series Black Mirror, Return to Cranford, and The Assets. She was last seen on cinema screens in the British comedy Adult Life Skills.