Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker teases 'really exciting' Cybermen return

Doctor Who Season 13

'When they move in unison, it’s incredible'

Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker says the eagerly anticipated return of classic baddies the Cybermen later during series 12 is “really exciting”.

The 37-year-old actress will battle the legendary villains for the first time since she joined the show and she says it was well worth the wait.

“They’ve got a lot of presence on set,” Jodie told Entertainment Weekly. “When they move in unison, it’s incredible. It’s really exciting.”

Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor seen here on location near Arundel with the Cybermen during the filming of the Dr Who story called The Silver Nemesis. 28th June 1988

Sylvester McCoy's Time Lord taking on the Cybermen in 1988 (picture: Alamy Stock Photo) (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Showrunner Chris Chibnall has previously told the Radio Times that the Cybermen this time will be “particularly relentless and ferocious”.

He added: “It’s interesting, because although you can talk about it as old versus new [monsters], that’s slightly a false definition.

“Because even if you bring the Cybermen back, that’ll be the first time for some kids and for some viewers.

“So you have to make sure that they feel fresh and there’s an idea behind them.”

Jodie Whittaker will be back for the 13th series of Doctor Who...

Meanwhile, Jodie also revealed in her chat with Entertainment Weekly that she will be back for the 13th series.

“Yes, I’m doing another season,” she confirmed to the US publication. “That might be a massive exclusive that I’m not supposed to say, but it’s unhelpful for me to say [I don’t know] because it would be a massive lie! I absolutely adore it. At some point these shoes are going to be handed on, but it’s not yet. I’m clinging on tight!”

Jodie Whittaker's Time Lord faces the Judoon in Doctor Who

Jodie Whittaker's Time Lord faces the Judoon in the new series of Doctor Who (Image credit: BBC / BBC Studios)

Doctor Who continues this Sunday on BBC1 at 7pm with the Judoon turning up in Gloucester. “The streets aren't safe and if anyone has anything to hide confess now," jokes Chibnall. "The Judoon are galactic law enforcers and are taking no prisoners. They stop at nothing to fulfil their mission."

David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.


Before working for What To Watch, David spent many years working for TV Times magazine, interviewing some of television's most famous stars including Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, singer Lionel Richie and wildlife legend Sir David Attenborough. 


David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.


Other than watching and writing about telly, David loves playing cricket, going to the cinema, trying to improve his tennis and chasing about after his kids!