Broadchurch: In the ITV drama which ran for three series between 2013 and 2017, Whittaker plays the role of Beth Latimer, a grieving mother whose 11-year-old son, Danny, has been murdered. The cleverly constructed story follows the search for Danny’s killer, led by detectives played by David Tennant and Olivia Colman, and the toll his murder takes on their small Cornish town, where everyone begins to suspect each other. Whittaker’s performance is at times heartbreaking, as Beth navigates the effect that her grief has on all of her relationships, including those with her husband, daughter and friends.
Doctor Who: In 2017, Whittaker became the first female Doctor Who, taking over the role from Peter Capaldi. I am not exactly a die-hard Doctor Who fan, but I was intrigued by how she would interpret the role and was pleasantly surprised. The storyline of each episode follows a different historical event, such as witch hunts and the partition of India, in which Whittaker’s Doctor and her friends need to ensure things go exactly as they’re meant to.
Whittaker took a warm, energetic, and compassionate approach to the classic role, portraying a woman filled with hope even in the most adverse situations. Beyond making her character likeable and entertaining, these choices recognise Whittaker’s achievement in becoming the first female Doctor and its symbolism for women in the creative industries.
Toxic Town: In Whittaker’s most recent TV appearance, she plays Susan McIntyre in the new Netflix drama telling the true story of a group of mothers from Corby whose children were born with birth defects as a result of toxic chemicals left over from an old steel works.
Though she again plays a mother fighting for justice for her child, Whittaker’s performance as Susan shows her range, this time portraying a much more outspoken and irreverent character. The story is moving, as the mothers initially blame themselves for their children’s disabilities. Though what is most striking is the hope that the community is able to give each other; the resilience of the Corby mothers in their fight for justice is inspiring.