Former Doctor Who Peter Davison has quit Twitter, after receiving vile abuse for his comments about the new female star.
The 66-year-old actor announced his decision to leave the social media site, after he was bombarded with abuse following the announcement that actress Jodie Whittaker would become the first female Time Lord.
Some fans of the children’s sci-fi show had been up in arms about the decision to give Jodie the role, and took to Twitter to vent their anger and argue with other viewers.
Read more: Dawn French ditches the diet
Peter – who was the fifth Doctor, from 1982 to 1984 – said he was delighted with the BBC’s decision to give Jodie the role of a lifetime, but did say it could mean a loss of role model for young boys.
He explained to PA that his only doubt over the new Doctor was: “the loss of a role model for boys, who I think Doctor Who is vitally important for”.
And this started a row with another former Tome Lord Colin Baker, who said Peter was talking “absolute rubbish”.
But as the debate rumbled on for days and the backlash became more and more abusive and personal, Peter decided enough was enough and he was quitting Twitter.
On Monday, he tweeted: “All this toxicity about a sci-fi show has been sobering. I’m calling it a day. @PeterDavison5 used to be fun. Now it’s not. Must Dash. xx”
He went on to clarify his comments, writing: “For the record I didn’t say I had doubts about Jodie. I said “she’s a terrific actress and will do a wonderful job and we need to open it up. I also urged uncertain fans to be supportive about change. It was a caveat about role models in an otherwise positive answer.”
Read more: EastEnders fave talks bankruptcy
Broadchurch star Jodie, 35, will become the 13th Doctor Who when she takes over from Peter Capaldi after this year’s Christmas special.
And – after the recent BBC pay gap scandal – it has been revealed that she will be paid the same salary as her predecessor, which will be up to £250k a year.