SDDC 2017: “I hoped, but I didn't think the BBC was going to do it” says Colin Baker about Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who

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We had the opportunity to interview Colin Baker, the 6th Doctor in the classic series of Doctor Who, during the San Diego Comic Con 2017.

See the interview (translated) in full:

Q: Did you think that the BCC would actually place a female Doctor?

Colin Baker: No. I hoped, but I didn't think they would actually do it. I always thought it was a good idea, but I always thought that all female fans followed the series because of the David Tennant and I thought the series would lose those viewers if they put in a woman. THE BBC you probably thought so too, because that's the way it is, people are still somewhat reluctant to put women as leaders. That's how it is in life, when you need to put an executive as the company leader, there is usually a reluctance, but why? If they are good, they must be there. The Doctor's genre should be irrelevant and I'm happy to finally make that choice.

I'm usually happy with the choices for the role, Matt Smith came out of nowhere and was brilliant, I knew Peter Capaldi he was a good actor, and I thought he had a good reception from the fans.

Q: Capaldi resembles your Doctor (6th Doctor of the classic series), with his most nervous way. Do you agree?

Colin Baker: Yes, every 6 times they get it right.

Q: Do you think he had the bow that was denied to your Doctor?

Colin Baker: Yes, because he has a chance for a beautiful ending and my Doctor cannot have that. But I'm happy with my bow, my regeneration matches perfectly with the beginning of the plot of Sylvester McCoy, is smart and a little heroic, which I like.

Q: Is there anything you wanted to do with the character that you were not allowed to do?

Colin Baker: Yes, I didn't have much freedom, for me the most interesting characters are the ones you learn from them. I was suggested to base myself on someone like Mr. Darcy, in Pride and Prejudice, who is hated in most of the book, the reader finds him arrogant and disagreeable, and in the end you discover that he was the most true and altruistic character in the book. The same analogy is used in Harry Potter, who does the public hate the most? Severus Snape. Who is the greatest hero? Severus Snape. I find it very interesting, in life too, you know a person and you don't like it and suddenly they become best friends. That was the plan for my Doctor, an idea from BBC to reach an audience that didn't like the show.

Q: Do you think the BBC, as an organization, is more willing to take risks now?

Colin Baker: Overall, I don't think so. But I am happy that on that occasion they are willing to take the risk because it is now allowed to air more audacious programs. I like it when people are passionate about their programs and the people in charge say “Okay, if this is good, you can do it, if it’s bad you’re out”. It is better than interfering with the way writers take programs.

The 11th season of Doctor Who is expected to debut in 2018.

 

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