New 'Dr. Who' revealed, and it's a shocker

The BBC has announced the identity of the new Doctor Who, and it's a shocker.

Jodie Whittaker, who most recently stared in the popular BBC drama Broadchurch will assume the role as the thirteenth Dr. Who, becoming the first female to ever to play the iconic sci-fi character.

"It's more than an honor to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope," Whittaker told the BBC. "I can't wait."

Whittaker will take over the role when the popular Time Lord during the show's Christmas special. She'll be reuniting with Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, who will be replacing current showrunner, Steven Moffat, who has overseen the show since 2010.

"I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth Doctor to be a woman and we're thrilled to have secured our number one choice. Her audition for The Doctor simply blew us all away," Chibnall told Variety. "Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength and warmth to the role. The Thirteenth Doctor is on her way."

Here's the official announcement, which aired following the Wimbledon men's singles final on Sunday:

Whittaker replaces Peter Capaldi, who became the twelfth doctor in 2013 and will give up his role in the show's Christmas special. Capaldi told BBC radio in January it was "time to move on." Capaldi lasted three seasons, as did Matt Smith, who played the 11th in

The Doctor Who Christmas special airs Dec. 25 on BBC America.