Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Doctor Who: Whoopi Goldberg wants to be first American Time Lord amid Jodie Whittaker exit rumours

BBC producers have turned her down in the past

Louis Chilton
Monday 11 January 2021 21:37 GMT
Comments
John Bishop joins Doctor Who

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Whoopi Goldberg has revealed that she wants to join Doctor Who as the first American Doctor, but the show’s producers previously turned her down.

The Sister Act star’s statements come amid rumours that Jodie Whittaker, who currently plays The Doctor, is set to step down from the hit BBC sci-fi after its forthcoming 13th series.

Speaking to SFX magazine, Goldberg said that she had discussed her Doctor Who aspirations with former Who star Tom Baker, who played The Doctor from 1974 to 1981.

“I wanted to be the first female Doctor, but they have one,” she said. “I said to him, 'I love the idea of an American Doctor Who'... I'm still trying to do it.”

Goldberg has hinted at her desire to play the time-travelling alien before, when she made a guest appearance on David Tennant’s podcast.

“We don't have a Doctor Who,” she told Tennant. “We don't have that character who is travelling through dimension and time, and being an observer -­ ­sometimes a hindrance, sometimes a help. The idea of that just so made me happy.”

Goldberg said that BBC producers turned her away from the role.

“They were like, ‘Um, no,’” she added. “So I was like, 'OK, I'm cool. I ­understand.'"

The latest episode of Doctor Who, which aired on BBC One on New Year’s Day, revealed that comedian John Bishop would be joining the forthcoming series as The Doctor’s new assistant.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in