Former Doctor Who actors Colin Baker and Peter Davison have clashed over the decision to cast the first ever female Time Lord in the popular BBC One show.

One section of the online world was overjoyed, praising the broadcaster for casting a woman in the high-profile role. Another was highly critical, insisting the Doctor — an alien with two hearts — should remain male.

Peter Davison, the fifth Doctor, falls into the latter group, criticising the casting, complaining that the decision meant boys had one less male role model.

“If I feel any doubts, it’s the loss of a role model for boys who I think Doctor Who is vitally important for,” the actor said at San Diego Comic-Con.

And while he concluded Whittaker is an "excellent actor", he added: “So I feel a bit sad about that, but I understand the argument that you need to open it up.”

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

Conversely, Colin Baker, the sixth Doctor, has expressed his support for Whittaker taking the role, calling Davison’s comments “absolute rubbish”.

“They’ve had 50 years of having a role model. So sorry Peter, you’re talking rubbish there – absolute rubbish,” the father of five said. “Well, you don’t have to be of a gender of someone to be a role model. Can’t you be a role model as people?”

Previously, the BBC responded to criticism with a statement reading: “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.”