Doctor Who has cast its first-ever black Doctor, as Jo Martin becomes the latest actor to bag the role of the Time Lord.
The Londoner is best known for her role as Max McGerry on Holby City, and Janice on series Back to Life.
The news comes three years after the show cast its first female Doctor, with Jodie Whittaker playing the 13th time-travelling doc.
In the past, white male actors have typically played the iconic sci-fi character, including names like David Tennant, Matt Smith, Tom Baker and Peter Capaldi.
Jo will act as a different version of the Doctor in upcoming scenes, previously disguised as a human named Ruth Clayton.
(Image: BBC)
Her character appears to have been cut out of the current Doctor’s memory, as tonight’s episode revealed.
In “Fugitive of the Judoon” – written by Vinay Patel and showrunner Chris Chibnall – Martin’s true identity as a forgotten Doctor was unveiled, leaving fans stunned.
She told the 13th Doctor: “You’re in my future, not the other way around.”
(Image: BBC / Ben Blackall)
Once the news broke, chuffed Doctor Who fans praised the series for finally casting a black actor as a lead, expecting exciting things to come.
One said: “A black female doctor, I’m so in love!!! I hope to god we learn more about her!”
A second added: “A black female Doctor!!!! Some good news.”
(Image: BBC / Ben Blackall)
While a third remarked: “You just never thought the episode would be so epic and historic from the first half an hour! I mean a female black incarnation of the Doctor!”
Doctor Who continues on BBC One at 7:10pm on Sundays.
