Davison Feels Sad Boys have lost a Role Model, But Baker Disagrees
Speaking at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, Davison said: “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for [Jodie Whittaker] and I think it will be hard for some fans to adjust to it – as I said before it’s difficult to adjust to any new Doctor[…] but I think the important thing is that those who are uncertain should be encouraged to watch it with an open mind.”
“I think the time for discussion about [the topic of a female Doctor] is past. They’ve made the announcement that Jodie Whittaker is the next Doctor and that’s great. If I feel any doubts about it, it’s the loss of a role model for boys, who I think Doctor Who is vitally important for, so I feel a bit sad about that but I understand the argument that you’ve got to open it up, so she has my best wishes and full confidence, I’m sure she’ll do a wonderful job.
“As a viewer, I quite like the idea of the Doctor as a boy but maybe I’m an old-fashioned dinosaur, who knows, but that’s irrelevant now – we have a new Doctor and let’s give her our full support.”
Colin Baker strongly disagreed with Davison’s main comment though: “They’ve had 50 years of having a role model. So sorry Peter, you’re talking rubbish there – absolute rubbish. You don’t have to be of a gender of someone to be a role model. Can’t you be a role model as people?”
UPDATE: Peter Davison has clarified his views, but due to the “toxicity” he has received from certain quarters, has now decided to quit Twitter.
Davison said: “For the record I didn’t say I had doubts about Jodie. I said “she’s a terrific actress and will do a wonderful job and we need to open it up”. I also urged uncertain fans to be supportive about change. It was a caveat about role models in an otherwise positive answer.”
“All this toxicity about a sci-fi show has been sobering, so I’m calling it a day. @PeterDavison5 used to be fun. Now it’s not. Must Dash. xx”