The home of Broadchurch has welcomed the appointment of one of the show's stars as the new Doctor Who.

Jodie Whittaker, 35, will take over from Peter Capaldi making her the first female Doctor in the show’s history.

Whittaker is best known for playing Beth Latimer on Broadchurch, and her arrival on Doctor Who will coincide with Broadchurch writer Chris Chibnall’s, who has taken over from Stephen Moffat as executive producer and head writer.

Chibnall said he was “thrilled” to work alongside Whittaker again.

Danny Sullivan, a barman at The George in Bridport, met Whittaker in 2014 while she was staying at the hotel to film Broadchurch, and said he is happy about her casting as the Doctor.

He added: “She was very nice person and had a really bubbly personality. She checked into a room here. I am personally quite happy about her being the new Doctor. I think it’s about time we had a female Doctor.”

Karl Moore, owner of Razmatazz, a geek merchandise store in Weymouth, said that the show is long overdue a change.

He said: “I think it is positive. Doctor Who needs a strong female lead to get people watching it again. I think there is no need for the negative comments, it is a little bit silly.”

But Whittaker’s casting has undoubtedly raised eyebrows with some fans questioning whether the Doctor could and should be female.

Whittaker has responded to concerns among some fans saying they should not be ‘scared’ by her gender.

She said: “This is an exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change.

“The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is a new different one, not a fearful one.” 

Mr Chibnall said: “Her audition for the Doctor simply blew us all away. 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 13th Doctor is on her way.

"I always knew I wanted the 13th Doctor to be a woman and we're thrilled to have secured our number one choice.”

Whittaker will be the first Time Lady in a long line of Time Lords that includes her Broadchurch co-star David Tennant.

Broadchurch star Olivia Colman has also congratulated Whittaker on her new role.

She said: “I was really impressed because we’ve seen each other since she’s found out … I was just like ‘my god’ when I found out. She’ll do it better than anyone, I’m so proud of her.

“It’s a massive, massive thing that she’s undertaken and she will be great. It’s not her job to fly the flag for all of womankind … the creatives have made the decision that part should be a woman and it’s about time.”