Yahoo News Colin Baker thought BBC would never cast female Doctor
It's the hot topic in the world of Doctor Who right now – and former star of the series Colin Baker has admitted he's surprised the BBC finally cast a female Doctor.
Baker has been a vocal supporter of Jodie Whittaker's casting, even clashing with his predecessor Peter Davison on the topic.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Baker – who played the sixth Doctor from 1984-86 – said he always thought the BBC would be too scared to make the Doctor a woman.
"I've always thought it was a good idea, but I thought that the BBC might think that all those female fans who turned on because David Tennant was playing the part might leave in their droves if they cast a female," he said.
In the same conversation, Baker accused Doctor Who fans of being overly harsh on current lead actor Peter Capaldi, because he wasn't "eye candy" like Tennant.
In taking a risk and casting Whittaker, Baker speculated that new showrunner Chris Chibnall must've been "given a blank slate", suggesting that most BBC casting is "done by committee."
Related: 10 Jodie Whittaker performances to watch before her Doctor Who debut this Christmas
"Nowadays you have a committee reading the scripts, casting is done by committee, everything," he said. "So all I can think is that Chris Chibnall was given a blank slate, which is very unusual these days, and long may it continue!"
Colin Baker was speaking at San Diego Comic-Con to promote classic Doctor Who on BritBox.
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