SPOILER WARNING: This article contains spoilers for 2017’s Doctor Who Christmas special, “Twice Upon A Time.”
BBC has officially released the regeneration clip from this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special, “Twice Upon A Time,” showing Jodie Whittaker taking over from Peter Capaldi to become the Thirteenth Doctor.
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The sentimental clip clocks in at just more than two minutes and shows Capaldi saying his final words — “Run fast. Be kind. Doctor… I let you go.” — before handing off the mantle to Whittaker to become the next incarnation of the wandering Time Lord. Her debut then ends on a precarious and explosive note with the TARDIS console room being destroyed by the regeneration, leaving the new Doctor plummeting from the sky towards Earth.
This is a major moment in the franchise’s history with Whittaker becoming the first woman to become the Doctor, aptly celebrated by her first words when she sees her reflection: “Oh, brilliant.”
Whittaker’s landmark appointment drew some debate when the announcement was first made but showrunner Steven Moffat has made it clear it was time to break new ground. In addition to the departure of Capaldi, who took on the role for three seasons, this episode also marked the end of Moffat’s tenure on the show. Safe to say, he went out with a bang too.
Whittaker will be joined in the upcoming 11th season by Bradley Walsh (Law & Order: UK) as Graham, Tosin Cole (Hollyoaks) as Ryan, and Mandip Gill (Hollyoaks) as Yasmin. At that time, Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch) will succeed Steven Moffat as head writer and executive producer. The new season of Doctor Who is expected to debut in fall 2018.