Jodie Whittaker's Doctor Who is set to have a relationship with a woman.

Jodie Whittaker

Jodie Whittaker

The 'Broadchurch' star is the first female to ever portray the Time Lord and her new co-star Michelle Gomez, who plays Missy in the sci-fi hit, has revealed the character will be gay or bisexual and could hook up with her assistant - who has traditionally been female.

She let slip: "Now we have a got a female Doctor so there is going to be girl on girl."

But it won't be the first time that a lesbian love story has featured in the BBC series because the doctor's assistant Bill Potts - played by Pearl Mackie - shared a kiss with a gay alien in the last series.

And when asked whether a gay Doctor would fit in with the drama, she said: "It might work. Obviously it might be awful."

And Pearl agreed: "It could work."

Jodie will have the support of former Doctor Peter Capaldi, who portrayed the titular character in the sci-fi series for the past four years, and believes he can guide her "through the madness" like previous 'Doctor Who' stars did for him.

He said: "Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker's work will know that she is a wonderful actress of great individuality and charm. She has above all the huge heart to play this most special part. She's going to be a fantastic Doctor. David Tennant and Matt Smith have been fabulous to me, because some days things can become overpowering and who can I talk to, and those guys do talk to me.

"I hope I can do that with Jodie. I am always here to talk her through the madness."

And it's not just Peter who agrees with Chibnall's decision to cast Jodie, 35, as producers at the broadcaster can't wait to see how she'll depict the time-traveller.

Piers Wenger, Controller BBC Drama explained: "Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor.

"She aced it in her audition both technically and with the powerful female life force she brings to the role. She is destined to be an utterly iconic Doctor."