Davison Feels Sad Boys have lost a Role Model, But Baker Disagrees

Classic era Doctors Peter Davison and Colin Baker have been weighing in on the casting of the first female Doctor, and have had conflicting views.

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”