The first episode of the new series of Doctor Who with Jodie Whittaker in the leading role has been watched by an average of 8.2 million viewers on its debut in the UK, almost double the equivalent episode of last year's series.
The famed sci-fi show peaked at nine million viewers and had an audience share of 40.1 per cent, according to ratings figures.
The first episode of the previous series in 2017, which had Peter Capaldi as the Doctor, opened with 4.6 million viewers.
Whittaker's performance earned rave reviews on social media in the episode aptly titled The Woman Who Fell To Earth.
In it, the Doctor met new companions Ryan Sinclair (Tosin Cole), Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill) and Graham O'Brien (Bradley Walsh) after falling from the sky - and realising she was a woman.
When Yasmin refers to her as "madam", the Doctor asks: "Why are you calling me madam?"
A puzzled Yasmin explains it is because she is a woman, and the Doctor replies: "Does it suit me? Half an hour ago I was a white-haired Scotsman!".
Fans were quickly impressed with the Broadchurch star's take on the beloved character.
"JODIE WHITTAKER IS KILLING IT AS THE DOCTOR," posted one person on Twitter.
Another said: "I love her. I mean, genuinely. I love her. Not because she's a woman. Because she's THE DOCTOR."
"Jodie is already my favourite Doctor," said another.
Many said Whittaker was "perfect" for the part.
One said they had "fully forgotten that the Doctor was ever a man".
