Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker says gender pay gap won't be an issue for BBC show

The Broadchurch actress is the first woman to hold the role
Gender gap: Jodie Whittaker says unequal pay isn't a part of Doctor Who
BBC
Natasha Sporn19 July 2018
The Weekender

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Jodie Whittaker has vowed that the gender pay gap will not be an issue for Doctor Who, nor will there be any “big reveal” in six months.

The Broadchurch star was named as the Thirteenth Doctor last year, becoming the first female to take on the famous role, with her debut scene during the Christmas special.

Since her casting was announced, the BBC has been embroiled in an unequal pay row after it emerged many women were paid significantly less than men for doing similar jobs.

And, earlier this year, it was reported the stars of Netflix royal drama The Crown had been paid differently, with Matt Smith earning more than Claire Foy.

Star: Jodie Whittaker is the first female to play The Doctor
PA

But Whittaker is confident there will not be similar revelations related to the BBC's revered sci-fi programme.

Speaking ahead of the Doctor Who San Diego Comic-Con panel, she told the Press Association: "As people in the industry, as a woman in the industry, to not be aware of it [the gender pay row] would be naive but it hasn't been a part of this show.

Series 11: A new teaser shot shows Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor surrounded by her three companions
PA

"At least we know we don't have to sit in six months and have a big reveal, that isn't going to be the case for us."

She added: "No-one is going to suggest the role [Doctor Who] is paid less because you're a woman, and they didn't."

Whittaker was joined on the panel by her co-stars Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole as well as new series showrunner Chris Chibnall.

Last weekend, the first teaser trailer for the upcoming series was released during the World Cup final.

The short clip showed Ryan – played by Cole - watching something on his phone while eating and Yaz (Gill) at home – both experiencing the table and room shaking around them.

Graham - played by Bradley Walsh - was also seen going about his daily life, reading a magazine but aware of a magical presence around him.

The final frame showed Whittaker at the window, smiling, with the screen soon reading: “The universe is calling”.

Doctor Who will return to BBC One this autumn.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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