Image caption Jodie Whittaker as she appeared at the end of Twice Upon a Time

Jodie Whittaker has made her debut as the first female Doctor in the Christmas special of Doctor Who.

Given the role in July, the actress succeeds Peter Capaldi to become the 13th Doctor.

The 35-year-old Broadchurch star said she was "beyond excited" to take up the role and the offer had been "overwhelming, as a feminist".

Whittaker will fully begin her role next year alongside Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole.

Capaldi, who has had the role since 2013, regenerated at the end of the episode to become Whittaker's character.

When she was appointed, Whittaker told fans not to be "scared" by her gender.

"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," she added.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Actress Jodie Whittaker reveals four facts about herself

Actress Jenna Coleman returned as Doctor Who companion Clara Oswald in the Christmas programme alongside David Bradley.

Bradley playing the first Doctor, originally played by the late William Hartnell, while Pearl Mackie returned as companion Bill Potts.

It was the last episode for Potts and the show also marked an end for the programme's writer Steven Moffat, who has stepped down after seven years.

He has been replaced by Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall.

Fans reacted to Whittaker's introduction and Capaldi's departure on Twitter, with some praising the Doctor's gender.

Others meanwhile were supportive of the actress's roots.

Elsewhere, Whittaker's predecessor in the role had a few words of comfort for one young fan who was sad to see his favourite Doctor depart this week.

Nine-year-old David McGilloway, from Londonderry, found a letter from Capaldi in his Christmas stocking, which read: "The new Doctor always becomes your favourite and the one that goes... well, he never really goes..."

After all, the Doctor is for life - not just for Christmas.

If you missed Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time you can watch it on iPlayer.

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