Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker now an actual doctor

She’s known all over the planet for making history by becoming the first woman to play Doctor Who. Now Jodie Whittaker is being recognised formally for her ground-breaking work on the show – with a honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University.

In fact, the degree has been awarded to all the cast and crew who worked on series 11 of the iconic drama, some of which was filmed in Sheffield.

Read more: Doctor Who' Series 11 recap: Jodie Whittaker's first season reviewed and rated

Writer and showrunner Chis Chibnall said: “The cast and crew of Doctor Who Series 11 are thrilled to be honoured by Sheffield Hallam University this way. From the moment we made the decision for the Doctor to fall out of the sky into the streets and homes of Sheffield in 2018, the residents and the city have treated us brilliantly, on screen and off.

He added, “Doctor Who is a massive team effort so it’s particularly special that this citation is for the whole cast and crew.”

Whittaker, who isn’t on social media, is joined on the show by other regulars Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill. As yet, little is know about series 12, which isn’t due to hit UK screens until 2020. Filming started in South Africa back in January on the next instalment, but little else is known about where the story will go next for the Time Lord and her travelling companions.

"I really can’t wait to step back in and get to work again," Whittaker told The Hollywood Reporter. "It’s such an incredible role. It's been an extraordinary journey so far and I'm not quite ready to hand it over yet."

The Doctor’s famous blue box will make a rare appearance for one night only at the Natural History Museum this October.

Read more: 'Doctor Who': Jodie Whittaker won't watch classic episodes until she quits the role

Last year the university awarded honorary doctorates to Louis Theroux and golfer Danny Willett and Sir Michael Parkinson among others.