Jodie Whittaker has revealed that a striking image she found online was the inspiration for the design of her Doctor Who costume.

Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con at the weekend, Whittaker explained that a Google search looking for evocative images led her to a black-and-white photo of a woman “walking in purpose, deep in thought” in short trousers, boots, braces, and a t-shirt – a description that chimes strongly with the Thirteenth Doctor’s eventual outfit.

“The costume kind of felt that it could come from anywhere, and it should feel like that,” she said. “I didn’t want something that felt too neat and tailored.

“This picture was black-and-white, so I don’t know what era that picture is from. It felt like such a wonderful expression, in one image, of timelessness, purpose and inclusiveness. All in one simple look.

“It didn’t feel you needed to be a certain shape, or age, or gender, to wear it. And that’s mainly where it came from.”