A brand new Doctor Who debuted on New Zealand screens last night, and for the first time in the show's history, it was a woman.

The popular BBC Time Lord is now a Lady, with Jodie Whittaker taking over the role from outgoing doctor Peter Capaldi.

Whittaker's first line in the role was brief, and came in the final seconds of the episode.

Whitaker's first series will air next year, where she will be joined by her writer from the hit thriller Broadchurch, Chris Chibnall, as the new showrunner.

#BoxingDay. Brilliant! #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/Jet8Z9U0ln

— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) December 26, 2017

Capaldi announced earlier this year he would be leaving the role, which he has held since the end of the 2013 Christmas special.

His last words included the line: "Never be cruel, never be cowardly ... Remember hate is always foolish, and love is always wise."

The emotional instalment co-starred David Bradley as the original Doctor, who re-enacted scenes from a 1966 episode of the long running sci-fi series.

The episode saw roles by departing companions Bill and Nardole, played by Pearl Mackie and Matt Lucas, and a cameo from Jenna Coleman as Clara, who was last seen on the show in 2015.