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

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Leaked Doctor Who footage shows Jodie Whittaker's first scenes as the Doctor

Leaked footage from the new series of Doctor Who shows Jodie Whittaker's first scenes as the Doctor.

The hit BBC sci-fi show made history by casting Broadchurch star Jodie as the first ever female to play the role.

In the scene, viewed by Mirror Online, Jodie is seen in her first episode after taking over from Peter Capaldi's 12th Doctor.

The footage appears to have been leaked by a fan, before being shared online.

After the footage was leaked, fans reacted on Twitter.

One excited fan said: "The # DoctorWho leaked clip has obsessed me with Jodie already."

Another wrote: "Yeah, I watched the leaked # DoctorWho clip. Jodie Whitaker is going to be great, I can tell from just one minute"

While one commented: "I've seen it. I liked it. But still saving judgment for Whittaker's first full episode"

However, others said they didn't want to see the leaked footage.

One wrote: "keep all the 13th doctor leaks the longest way away from me. if you're sharing and spreading whatever leaked , you're not better than the person who decided to record it and ruin everyone's patient waiting"

Another said: "so apparently there was a Doctor Who leak I have no idea what got leaked but let me just say that sharing a leak is not big or clever"

And one said: "It appears some # DoctorWho clips from Series 11 have unfortunately leaked . Steer clear and avoid spoilers if you want to keep the official release special."

It comes after some backlash from fans who were furious to find out that people in the US would see clips from the 11th series of the show before anyone in the UK would.

BBC America has revealed a special Doctor Who panel will be featured at San Diego Comic Con next month, which will feature 13th Doctor Jodie.

The news left UK fans angry.

They've been upset in the past when a trailer for the 50th anniversary special, The Day of the Doctor, was shown in the US first.

British fans now feel that producers of the show are showing favouritism towards US fans by giving them a first glimpse of the 11th series at Comic Con.

However, it's understood that anything shown at Comic Con in the US is usually broadcast online at the same time, meaning fans in the UK wouldn't be left out.

The casting of Jodie in the iconic role initially divided fans when it was announced with a special clip during the Wimbledon men's final.

One disgruntled fan said: "Imagine one of your favourite shows but with someone of the opposite gender playing your favourite character(s). Hell."

While one commented: "there’s really no f***ing need. The Dr is male. Hate how it’s fashionable to make male characters female. It’s utter s**t."

However, many were pleased with the casting.

One said: "Jodie Whittaker was AMAZING in Broadchurch, she's a fab actor and I can't wait to see what she does with this iconic role! #DoctorWho13"

Another wrote: "this is hugely important for little girls *and* little boys who watch the show. and i couldn't be more excited for them. #DoctorWho13"

The BBC declined to comment on the leaked footage.

Source: Daily Mirror

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