Ever since it was announced that Peter Capaldi would be leaving “Dr. Who,” speculation ran wild about the actor who would play his successor. Since all 12 Doctors have been white, British males, the reccurring speculation arose as to whether the Doctor would regenerate as a black man or even as a woman. (Never an American. The Doctor must always abuse his companions with a British accent.)

In any case, the BBC was pleased to announce that the show is going there. The 13th Doctor will be played by Jodie Whittaker, who is obviously female. Next thing you know, there’ll be female medical doctors.

Who is Jodie Whittaker?

Jodie Whittaker is not that well known on the American side of the pond. She appeared in a 2011 science fiction classic “Attack the Block” in which aliens invade one of the bad parts of London and then kind of wished they hadn’t. She has been appearing in the British television crime drama “Broadchurch” for the past several years. Chris Chibnall, the creator of the series, is taking over as show-runner for “Dr. Who.”

Why a female Doctor now?

Like many other entertainment entities, the BBC has caught the diversity bug. The Doctor cannot continue to be a white man just because he has been since the day after the assassination of President John. F. Kennedy. This is the 21st Century, after all, and the Doctor can regenerate as whomever and whatever he or she pleased -- as long as the character remains British.

Chest-thumping about feminism and inclusion aside, what will a female actor bring to the iconic role of the Time Lord (Time Lady now?) who gallivants throughout the universe and history dragging hapless human (and otherwise) companions in his (now her) wake? Will the Doctor be the same old, irascible character that his fans have come to know and admire over the past 50 plus years?

Or will the fact that the Doctor now has ovaries, breasts, female hormones, and a womb change the character in unexpected ways? Will the female Doctor treat her companions differently and solve the various threats to the universe in more creative ways?

England has had her share of strong women throughout history. Elizabeth I saw off the Spanish Armada and started the process that created the British Empire.

Margaret Thatcher saved Great Britain, at least for a time, from the ravages of socialism. No doubt the female Doctor will use the Tardis well and give a good account of herself saving the universe -- at least for the next few seasons.