The Thirteenth Doctor is an incarnation of the Doctor, the fictional protagonist of the BBC science fiction television programme, Doctor Who. She is portrayed by English actress Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to portray the character, starring in three series as well as five specials. Whittaker's portrayal of the Thirteenth Doctor has been met with praise, though her tenure as the Doctor was considered divisive, particularly regarding changes to the series established lore