We’ll be there for Jodie Whittaker, promises Peter Capaldi

PETER CAPALDI has told Jodie Whittaker to call in the Doctors if she finds herself struggling in her new role as the first female Time Lord.

Capaldi, who will exit the show at Christmas when Whittaker takes over as the 13th Doctor, has already warned the 35-year-old of the unique ‘pressures and stresses’.

During a ‘good luck’ chat last week, he told the Broadchurch star to expect 12-hour working days, ten months a year.

The 59-year-old Scot, who has occupied the Tardis since 2013, told Metro: ‘I am always here to talk through the madness.

‘There are only a few of us who have played this role, and it is unique. The pressures are unique, stresses and joys are unique too.’

Revealing that he himself called on his predecessors when he found himself in difficulties, Capaldi said he hoped Whittaker would stay in touch.

‘David Tennant and Matt Smith have been fabulous to me, because some days things can become overpowering and “who can I talk to?” and those guys do talk to me.

‘I hope I can do that with Jodie. I spoke to her the other day and I said just enjoy it, because it will be incredible.’ The actor credits show boss Steven Moffat for the historic move of handing the coveted role to a woman.

‘It was Steven who lit the ground for this gender transformation with the Master, who he transformed into Missy,’ said Capaldi.

‘I think Jodie is going to be amazing. She has a great heart, wit and passion about her performance and about the show.’

As for his departure, the Thick Of It star said the long days had become too tough. ‘Becoming Who was an amazing thing,’ he admitted. ‘But I suddenly realised the amount of work. I cannot keep doing it to the best of my ability.

‘I didn’t want to phone it in or do it for the money. I thought I would leave while I am still doing a good job.’

Author: Andrei Harmsworth