Thrilled fans see new Doctor Who cast in action at San Diego Comic-Con

Doctor Who fans have been shown a brief glimpse of the new cast together.

The new Doctor and first female in the role, Jodie Whittaker, was joined on stage at San Diego Comic-Con by co-stars Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill as well as producers Chris Chibnall and Matt Strevens.

During the hour-long panel on Thursday, a short clip was shown that began with Whittaker’s Doctor being blown out of the Tardis and into space.

It then moved on to brief glimpses of different worlds and the new companions – Gill, Cole and Bradley Walsh, who was not in San Diego – in action.

A voiceover from Whittaker said: “All of this is new to me. New faces. New worlds. New times. So if I ask really, really nicely, would you be my new best friends?”

As the screen turned to black, the audience erupted into loud cheers.

On screen, Whittaker added: “This is going to be fun.”

Following the trailer, Whittaker unveiled her new sonic screwdriver on stage, showing off the silver and red device to fans.

The annual comic book and entertainment exhibition attracts some of the biggest industry names who use it to make their most anticipated announcements.

During a question and answer session with the 6,500-strong audience, Whittaker provided new details of the upcoming 11th series.

A young female fan asked if there would be any difference in her Doctor, compared with previous incarnations of the character, because of her gender.

Whittaker replied that gender is irrelevant for the role because the Time Lord is an alien.

But, after asking Chibnall if she was allowed to disclose any information, she revealed other characters react differently because they are speaking to a woman, adding: “That’s why this role will be layered and fascinating to play.”

Asked what the Doctor means to her, Whittaker said: “A pillar of hope, striving for brightness and inclusion.”

Earlier, the Broadchurch star, 37, was given a standing ovation as she entered the stage for one of her first major appearances since being named the lead character in the BBC’s revered sci-fi show.

Whittaker was introduced with a special trailer that showed her running through Doctor Who’s TV studios in Cardiff, before telling a crew member she was late for Comic-Con.

The video showed Whittaker approach a Tardis that had a paper note attached to it with the words, “for personal use” written on it.

It then cut to the actress outside the San Diego Convention Centre asking a star-struck fan for directions to Hall H.

The footage ended and Whittaker entered the stage to loud applause. She was soon followed by her co-stars Gill and Cole, as well as Chibnall and Strevens.

Comic Con continues until Sunday.