'Doctor Who' star Sylvester McCoy says his concern over Jodie Whittaker casting was 'stupid sexism'

Former Doctor Who star Sylvester McCoy has said "stupid sexism" was to blame for his concerns about Jodie Whittaker taking on the title role.

The actor, who played the seventh incarnation of the Time Lord from 1987 to 1989 and briefly returned in 1996, said he was initially apprehensive about Whittaker taking over from Peter Capaldi.

In 2017 it was announced she would become the first woman to play the role of the Doctor.

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He told Radio Times: “It was stupid sexism. In a way. I thought, ‘Why change it?’ But after five minutes she was the Doctor, as far as I was concerned.

“My only criticism now is the overuse of the sonic screwdriver; it makes it too easy for the Doctor to get out of trouble.

“I didn’t have one – I only had an umbrella – which is maybe why I’m not so keen on it!”

It has been rumoured that Whittaker will be stepping down from the show after its 13th season, however, the BBC has said they "won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show".

On who he thought could replace her, McCoy mused that it had to be "someone with lots of character".

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He added: "A person of colour would be great.”

The 13th series of the sci-fi programme is set to air later this year although it has been reduced from 11 episodes to eight due to filming limitations caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

With additional reporting by PA.

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