Jo Martin would love to be permanent star of Doctor Who
Jo Martin would love to be Doctor Who's next permanent Doctor, having dipped in and out of the programme as the Fugitive Doctor.
Jo Martin would love to be Doctor Who's next permanent Doctor.
The 57-year-old actress has made multiple appearances on the show since season 12 as the Fugitive Doctor and she admitted she'd jump at the chance to lead the show on a permanent basis.
Asked if she'd be up for being the full-time Doctor, she told Radio Times: "Of course I'd be up for it. Of course! It's a gift of a character, and there's so much more to explore with her, and I'm not bored of her yet.
"So, until that day happens, I will happily jump into her Doctor Martins, and now my hat, and do what I got to do. If they need me, I'm there!"
However, Jo admitted she enjoys the "freedom" of dipping in and out of the programme.
She said: "This is the job that just keeps on giving. Anything can happen in this timey-wimey, mad world of ours, so we'll see. But I do love the fact that my Doctor is one that comes and goes, I really like the freedom of that also. But who knows what the future holds? None of us do."
Jo's Fugitive Doctor will next be seen in multi-platform adventure Circuit Breaker, and she's teased there is a lot to learn about her alter ego.
She said: "There are so many layers to her, and we're just finding these layers, which has been a real gift and a real joy. She's not one-dimensional, which is what she kind of veers on in her TV appearances, really – you don't see all the other things that make her tick.
"I think that in all my TV appearances, she's very decisive, she knows what [she's doing], it's a very hard line, and no nonsense. And I think with Big Finish and with Circuit Breaker, we've got room to breathe and room for more nuance and room for making her a far more multi-dimensional character."
Jo spoke to the outlet before the BBC's recent shock announcement that Doctor Who is being put out to competitive tender and the Christmas special has been cancelled.
The broadcaster said in a statement: "As part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC’s Charter and Agreement requirements, the BBC will put Doctor Who out to competitive tender this year.
"Doctor Who remains an important part of the BBC and this tender underpins the BBC’s continued commitment to Doctor Who ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come.
"After careful consideration, the BBC, Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf have collectively decided not to go ahead with the previously announced Doctor Who Christmas episode.
"This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for fans, but in order to set the show up for future series, it was decided that rather than bridge the gap with a one off special, we are choosing to push forward to invest in the long-term future of the show which ensures that when the TARDIS lands once more, it does so in all its glory."
