John Barrowman thinks it's "about time" a woman was cast as Doctor Who.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman

The 50-year-old actor - who played Captain Jack Harkness in the sci-fi series in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2010 - is pleased that Jodie Whittaker, 35, will take over the reins from Peter Capaldi when he steps down as the time-travelling alien next month.

Speaking on 'Good Morning Britain' on Wednesday (29.11.17), he said of the new signing: "I think it's great [that a woman is playing the lead role].

"There's a lot of talk online about things but there's no law that says it has to be a man. I think we should give her a chance, it's about time there was a woman in the TARDIS."

And he's not the only one looking forward to seeing what the new show runner Chris Chibnall - who will replace Steven Moffat next year - will do with the character as Matt Smith, who played the Time Lord from 2009 until 2013 "can't wait" to tune in.

He said recently: "It will great to see Peter go and see what they do for their last Christmas one with Steven but I can't wait to see Jodie in it. I'm really, really, excited. I love 'Doctor Who', I'm a fan and I can say that because I was in it!"

And David Bradley - who will appear in the forthcoming festive special 'Twice Upon a Time' as the First Doctor - originally portrayed by William Hartnell - thinks 'Doctor Who' is in safe hands with Jodie because she has "all the emotional range you could want" in an actress.

He said: "She has all the emotional range you could want, and she's going to be very funny as well. So she's perfect for the Doctor, really."

'Twice Upon a Time' will focus on the end of the First Doctor's era and will feature the Twelfth Time Lord having to convince the original that he has to accept his regeneration.

The hour-long special will also be last appearance of Pearl Mackie as companion Bill Potts before Whittaker joins with her new TARDIS team; Bradley Walsh as Graham, Tosin Cole as Ryan and Mandip Gill as Yasmin.