Yeah, I think there was a little bit of it on Tumblr because they had a specific guy they'd been expecting (either Aneurin Barnard or Daniel Rigby) but they got over it quick enough. And there were a few on Twitter, and then their tweets got shared derisively by "proper" Who fans which was just nasty, I thought. Those poor kids probably got dogs abuse just for having an opinion, from grown adults who'd have just as strong and stupid opinions about other things to do with Doctor Who. I bet the fangirls won't be the ones freaking out and threatening never to watch again if Moffat just ignores the "12 regeneration limit"

It is funny how the word 'Fangirls' now includes Matt Smiths, fine when you needed them I suppose.

It's the double standard of men. It's alright for them to have a former popstar as a companion, or Amy Pond with her legs out every episode or Clara in a "skirt that's just a little too tight." But heaven forbid that women should be able to enjoy the charisma of the leading man of the show .

Honestly anyone would think that had cast two hollywood plastic cutouts with the acting skills of a plank of wood rather than two charismatic actors who are more attractive for that charisma than anything else.

Agreed.

I was pretty shocked when a middle aged female friend of mine said "Dr Who is meant to be hunky" because that is not a word I'd use to describe any Who in history. Matt Smith always gave me the creeps!

Show's producers and BBC might. This is a serious poll question? Again, academic result. :P

Well if they stop watching just for the doctor being 'old' then I say good riddance as you can not say they are true fans of dr who.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45d8kn5hApg

Theres a good example

Most people are viewers and not die hard fans whose opinions and views are equally as valid as anyone else.

My personal opinion is an older doctor could be a refreshing and exciting change. Yet the writing style and production will need to dramatically change for me.

Me too: Christopher was my way in.

I would fail a quiz. But I can already imagine Twelve taking my hands in his, giving me that intense stare, and telling me everything is going to be alright. Mr. Capaldi will do very nicely, thank you!

Rubbish.

The show was around long before some of these 'fangirls' were even a gleam in daddy's eye, and their departure wouldn't make a ha'porth of difference.

Not everyone watches Who to lust after 'hot young' actors.

If they choose not to 'squee' and wet themselves over Capaldi, they'll just have to find someone else to fancy. There are lots of other shows out there for them after all.

Yes , nicely noted - any port in a storm and all that..

Age? Looks? Doesn't really matter does it..

It's all about acting ability and charisma.

Matt Smith made it count on screen, but as you rightly say he's suddenly now seen as the poster boy that'll mean viewers will depart with him!

He was brilliant, and I suspect Capaldi will be too.. Different, but still hopefully brilliant. And charisma? In spades..

I thought the idea was that these Fangirls were Tennant Fangirls who were annoying because they couldn't "let go" of Tennant, and "move on" to Smith.

Are there now hitherto unsuspected Smith Fangirls who can't move on from Smith? Have they joined forces?

Will there be Capaldi Fangirls a bit further down the line? Are you allowed to be more than one type of Fangirl or do you have to pick your Doctor and remain faithful until death?

Have you seen his Mumsnet appreciation thread? The 16 year olds will just be replaced by 46 year olds!

I avoid that site, rather like Camelot I find it an odd funny place, especially after users on it suggested that people only went to Centre parcs to have a certain type of love making

Is there a "I don't really spend my time fretting about the reasons other fans watch, I just like to watch the show and talk about it amongst fellow fans" option?

There's no such thing as a "true" or "proper" Who fan.
If they watch the show, that's enough for me, couldn't care less why they're watching it, we're all Who fans under the same banner and if some clueless Eastenders fan or some other member of society takes some cheap shot at our show, we'll all stand together anyway.

So this divide and conquer sort of thread isn't really anything that should be celebrated.

older Doctor is great - if the BBC want eye candy then that can be provided by the assistants

Yeah, because it survived 26 years without fangirls

They have been around for 7 of the 50 years. I think the show will cope

Whovian snobs Doesn't matter if you're 8 or 80, Doctor Who is for the kid in us all. Everyone is a fan girl.

Why not, nothing wrong with older actors: I was a member of the 'We want to give Liz Sladen Babies Club'...

You can actually pin point to the second the very moment her heart broke.

I won't miss them because - in my opinion - most of them won't go. I hope they won't anyway, because I don't want them to miss out on all the good stories I hope are coming.

In short, fangirls are, or should be, as welcome a part of the fanbase as any other. I think a lot of younger fans (not only girls) are finding it a bit of a shock, but I hope they'll come round.

To be fair, if Anne Widdecombe had walked out on that stage, my reaction might have made that youtube girl's look like sheer joy by comparison!

Congratulations!.This is possibly the most misogynistic piece of crap I've ever read on here! Your fellow whovians must be so proud,

Thankfully, those who will be switching off because Capaldi doesn't fit the stereotypical "young and fit" bill make up a very, very small minority of viewers (female or otherwise). The show will manage without them, just like it has managed without those who stopped watching after Tennant went.