Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Kevin E G Perry

Former Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi defends show against ‘woke’ criticism

  • Peter Capaldi, who portrayed the Twelfth Doctor from 2014 to 2017, addressed the online criticism directed at his successors, Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti Gatwa.
  • Capaldi dismissed suggestions that Doctor Who had become overly “woke”, stating that the show 'reflects its times' and questioned why people take it “so seriously”.
  • Jodie Whittaker, the first female Doctor (2017-2022), expressed profound pride in her role, remarking that a woman should have been cast as the Doctor much earlier in the series' history.
  • Whittaker also clarified that she did not consciously play the role “as a woman”, but rather focused on embodying the character of the Doctor.
  • Ncuti Gatwa, the first Black actor to lead the series (2023-2025), disclosed that the role was physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding, contributing to his decision to leave, though he did not rule out a potential return.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.