Having graced our small screens for decades, it’s of no surprise that a fair few historical figures – from Adolf Hitler to William Shakespeare – have appeared in episodes of Doctor Who.

And this series blend of history and fiction has continued throughout the eleventh season, too. We’ve seen civil rights activist Rosa Parks have her story told, as well as Martin Luther King, as the Time Lord and her companions have travelled backwards and forwards in time. However, the retelling of these powerful events has irked more than a few people – with many believing the new series is “too political”.

Now, Jodie Whittaker – who is currently playing the eponymous Doctor in the BBC One series (and is the first ever female to do so) – has addressed the backlash.

Now, Whittaker – who’s the first ever female Doctor – has addressed the backlash.

“What’s the point of making a show if it doesn’t reflect society today?,” Whittaker said while switching on the Christmas lights at London’s Regent Street on Monday 19 November. “We have the opportunity with this show like no other to dip to future, to past, to present, to new worlds and time zones. There is never going to be a drought in the stories you can tell.”

Whittaker continued: “It’s always topical. Chris is a very present-minded person who is very aware of the world he lives in and is passionate about storytelling. It would be wrong of him to not have used the past. He does it in a really beautiful way.”

It’s not the first time Whittaker has been on the receiving end of criticism aimed at the new series. Before it had even aired, the actress found herself at the centre of backlash due to her gender.

“Gutted you’ve sold out to the PC squad. And I’m female,” one user wrote on Twitter.

“But an immortal, time-travelling, regenerating alien played by a woman just isn’t realistic,” another posted.

The role of the Time Lord has previously always been given to men. Sure, women have appeared in the iconic series: Rose Tyler (Billie Piper), Donna Noble (Catherine Tate), Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie), and Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman). But they’ve always been cast as the ‘love interest’ or assistant – until now.

You can read more here on the brilliant women who brought Doctor Who to life.

Doctor Who continues to air on BBC One on Sunday at 6:30pm.

Images: BBC