Jodie Whittaker’s time piloting the TARDIS is coming to an end.
The BBC has announced that Whittaker, who is the first female actor to have been cast in the title role of the long running science fiction series Doctor Who, will be departing the show in 2022. Also leaving will be Chris Chibnall, the writer/producer who served as showrunner for the series during Whittaker’s tenure.
Before Whittaket’s Doctor says her final goodbyes, fans will still be getting a new aeason of six episodes debuting later this year and three specials that will culminate in the Doctor’s regeration in the Whittaker’s successor.
The BBC has made no announcement as to who will fill in for Whittaker and Chibnall going forward.
In a statement releasedstatement released by the BBC Chibnall said –
Jodie and I made a “three series and out” pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast. So now our shift is done, and we’re handing back the TARDIS keys.
Jodie’s magnificent, iconic Doctor has exceeded all our high expectations. She’s been the gold standard leading actor, shouldering the responsibility of being the first female Doctor with style, strength, warmth, generosity and humour. She captured the public imagination and continues to inspire adoration around the world, as well as from everyone on the production. I can’t imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor – so I’m not going to!
For me, leading this exceptional team has been unrivalled creative fun, and one of the great joys of my career. I’m so proud of the people we’ve worked with and the stories we’ve told. To finish our time on the show with an additional Special, after the pandemic changed and challenged our production plans, is a lovely bonus. It’s great that the climax of the Thirteenth Doctor’s story will be at the heart(s) of the BBC’s centenary celebrations.
I wish our successors – whoever the BBC and BBC Studios choose – as much fun as we’ve had. They’re in for a treat!
