BBC goes to court to find out who leaked one of Jodie Whittaker's Doctor Who debut scenes

The BBC is going to court over last week's Doctor Who leak, requesting Californian officials to issue a subpoena – an order to attend court – to mobile internet forum site, Tapatalk.

Footage from Jodie Whittaker's debut scenes as the Doctor found its way online last Monday (June 25), marking series 11's first significant leak ahead of its premiere later this year.

Digital Spy has learned that the BBC is now pursuing legal action over the clip, which is believed to be an unfinished rough-cut, in order to protect the final product for fans. We also understand that this is an open investigation, and the BBC are pursuing all avenues to determine where the leak came from.

In a statement, a spokesperson for BBC Studios told Digital Spy that they are taking "the theft and illegal distribution" of the content "extremely seriously".

"[We] will strive to protect our programme-makers, audiences and licence fee payers from any breaches of security – ensuring Doctor Who fans enjoy the final and fully completed version of the episode when it premieres," the statement read.

Leak or no leak, Doctor Who fans have already caught their first glimpse of Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor in Peter Capaldi's final episode 'Twice Upon a Time'.

And former star of the iconic series Carole Ann Ford recently revealed that it was that very introduction to Jodie that convinced her a female Doctor was in fact a good idea.

"Jodie's got a very strong presence," she said, reflecting on her regeneration scene. "I saw the moment she arrived and I've been thinking about it quite a lot.

"I really would like to meet her," she added. "Wouldn't it be fun?! What would I say to her? 'Hello Grandma!'"

Recalling the team's decision to cast Jodie as Thirteen, the series' new showrunner Chris Chibnall said last year that the actress was their "number one choice".

"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 Thirteenth Doctor is on her way."

So, let's stop those leaks, shall we?

Series 11 of Doctor Who will air on BBC One and BBC America in Autumn 2018.

Source: Digital Spy