Filming for Season 13 of Doctor Who isn’t expected to begin until much later this year, but that didn’t stop Jodie Whittaker from reprising her role as the Thirteenth Doctor to send a message of hope to everyone amid the coronavirus pandemic.
On Wednesday, BBC released a short video of Whittaker’s The Doctor trying to uplift the spirits of fans all over the world during the global health crisis. “Oh, hi. This is an emergency transmission. If you’re seeing this, the TARDIS must have detected an upsurge in psychological signals from somewhere in space in time,” explains the Doctor at the beginning of the clip. “Basically, I think somebody somewhere might be a little bit worried. I’m actually just self-isolating or, as I like to call it hiding from an army of Sontarans, but keep that to yourself.”
Incoming transmission. #MessageFromTheDoctor #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/WRTROxWRQy
— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) March 25, 2020
The Doctor then goes on to share what people can do during this tough time. “One, remember you’ll get through this and things will be alright even if they look uncertain, even if you’re worried, darkness never prevails,” she said. “Two, tell jokes, even bad ones, especially bad ones. I am brilliant at bad ones.”
The Doctor continued: “Three, be kind, even kinder than you were yesterday, and I know you were super kind yesterday. Look out for each other. You won’t be the only one worried. Talking will help. Sharing will help. Look out for your friends, your neighbors, people you hardly know, and family, because in the end, we’re all family. Four, listen to science and listen to doctors, right? They’ve got your back. Five, stay strong, stay positive. You’ve got this, and I will see you very soon.”
As expected, fans love the video, with many of them sending their appreciation and gratitude to Whittaker and BBC via social media. Check out some of the fan reactions below:
This is the loveliest thing! Thanks to everyone involved! xxx
— Claudia Boleyn?Labour????? (@ClaudiaBoleyn) March 25, 2020
That’s one of the reasons we keep loving the show so so much! Tiny actions like this, you know? ??
— Doctor Who Brasil (@doctorwhobrasil) March 25, 2020
I’m glad she did this, well done Jodie, I’ve read a few comments from parents that this is helping the younger fans, what a nice thing to do.
— Danny (@RegeneratingDan) March 25, 2020
This is why I love Jodie and 13 ! A ray of hope sending positivity in this tough time❤️
Thank you for doing this 🙂
And I’m glad she’s out of prison now
— The Companions of Who ? (@CompanionsOfWho) March 25, 2020
This is really, really lovely. We all needed this.
Thanks Jodie ❤️
— The Universe of Who (@universeofwho) March 25, 2020
OMG, what a lovely thing to do, that means a lot, not just to me, but to SO many people out there, I really respect whoever decided to do this. Thanks so much! And thank you JODIE! ?? pic.twitter.com/dfx1Eq4XtN
— Who•Outlook ✨? (@WhoOutlook) March 25, 2020
This was lovely, thank you to the person who organised this (whether it was Chibnall or someone else) and thank you to Jodie, you are wonderful and this proves one of many reasons why I love your Doctor
Thank you so much pic.twitter.com/GQNLT0i3CA
— Pika New Horizons (@XenoNew) March 25, 2020
This American healthcare worker is having a hard day today. This lifted my spirits immensely. Thank you #JodieWhittaker and #DoctorWho
Stay safe, everyone— Socially Awkward Woman in a TARDIS (@jodiesTARDIS13) March 25, 2020
Does she just keep the costume at home or did they post it out to her?! ?
I really hope she just has it home for when she needs it ???
— ❄️Claire❄️ (@traineecatlady) March 25, 2020
I love how she has her very own costume just to wear around the house ?❤
That’s dedication.
— The Men Of Who (@TheMenOfWho) March 25, 2020
Before Season 13 premieres, the Doctor and her companions are set to return in a new holiday special titled Revolution of the Daleks. BBC said that it will air “in the upcoming festive season,” but has yet to set an exact a date.
“We can’t leave the Doctor there! On that cliffhanger! Well, we did,” showrunner Chris Chibnall said in a statement, referring to the suspenseful ending of the Season 12 finale that aired on BBC America earlier this month. “But rest assured, the Doctor and her friends will be back for a one-off extended Special around Christmas and New Year. (I don’t know when they’re going to put it on yet, otherwise we’d tell you!). There will be Daleks. There will be exterminations. Thrills, laughter, tears. You know. The usual. See you at the end of the year.”