The BBC has shared an “emergency transmission” from Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor Who in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The short video, posted to the official Doctor Who Twitter account on Wednesday, sees Whittaker transform into the Time Lord to offer five tips on ways to cope with “any worrying situation,” as her beloved TV character reveals she is “self-isolating” while “hiding from an army of Sontarans.”
Incoming transmission. #MessageFromTheDoctor #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/WRTROxWRQy
— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) March 25, 2020
“One: Remember, you will get through this and things will be alright, even if they look uncertain. Even if you’re worried, darkness never prevails,” she reassures viewers. “Two: Tell jokes – even bad ones. Especially bad ones. I am brilliant at bad ones. Three: Be kind. Even kinder than you were yesterday. And I know you were super kind yesterday.
“Look out for each other. You won’t be the only one worried. Talking will help, sharing will help. Look out for your friends, your neighbours, people you hardly know. And family. Because in the end we’re all family. Four: Listen to science. And listen to doctors, right? They’ve got your back. Five: Stay strong, stay positive. You’ve got this. And I will see you very soon.”
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This special message comes as more cities join the USA in following the lead of many in Europe with mandatory lockdowns. San Francisco and Los Angeles, California both announced lockdowns that include mandatory work-from-home policies and shutting down high-risk gathering spaces.
Doctor Who costume designer Ray Holman tweeted shortly after the video was posted online to confirm that Whittaker had access to her costume at home “for personal appearances or publicity purposes,” as he assured fans that the clip was recorded “in isolation” and had been organised by the actress, showrunner Chris Chibnall and executive producer Matt Strevens.
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Doctor Who Season 12 premiered in January of this year and concluded in the opening days of March with the history-shattering season finale, “The Timeless Children.” According to reports, Season 13 is planned to start filming in September, though this date could yet change in light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus outbreak.
For a list of recommendations on how best to help, and stay safe, during the Coronavirus pandemic, please read our resource guide.
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Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.
Source: IGN.com Doctor Who: The Doctor Herself Offers Coronavirus Advice