MARK Smith says the casting of Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who is predictable (“Casting a woman as the Doctor is sad and predictable”, The Herald, July 17) but for the past 12 reincarnations it was predictable that the Doctor would be a man, but did he call that out? No, he did not.

The producers were not giving in to pressure, what they were trying to do was listen to criticisms that people had about their show and try to better it. There are plenty of male heroes who do not adhere to typical male stereotypes. There’s Spider-Man, a nerd who advocates taking responsibility; Harry Potter, someone who also values taking responsibility and not pushing it on to others; and Finn The Human, a hero who displays how you should always help others and be kind to everyone. I would go on but I don’t really feel like listing almost every main character in fiction.

Just because there is one female Doctor out of 13 does not mean the previous 12 have been erased from existence. There is still 54 years’ worth of male Doctors to be watched and appreciated.

Mr Smith says that Doctor Who “didn’t need to do something as silly as casting a woman” but why is casting a woman in a series he calls a “champion of difference” silly? Why should they not go a step further and cast a woman in a science-fiction series – something barely ever done? He says science fiction is predominantly consumed by men and for this reason a woman should not be one of the heroes, but that’s the very reason why more girls don’t get into science fiction. Why would they watch if there’s almost no one to represent them? Why would they want to be part of a community that actively tries to prevent people like them from being represented? “Boys need heroes too”. Well, girls would like at least one.

Sorcha MacGlone (aged 13),

Balwearie High School, Balwearie Gardens, Kirkcaldy.

WHAT'S all the fuss about the most beautiful Jody Whittaker becoming the latest Doctor Who? Congratulations to this very fine actress! I might even start watching it now...

To these sad aficionados of telly science fiction, might I suggest that they do something that they seem not to have done before, like erm, get a girlfriend, or a life, or get out a bit more?

H Steele,

Lennox Road, Cumbernauld.

IN view of the current state of world and national affairs, does it really matter who is Who?

Magaret MH Lyth,

26 Gardenside Street, Uddingston.