Jodie Whittaker to Exit ‘Doctor Who’ in 2022
It’s once again time for Whovians to emotionally prepare themselves for a regeneration, as BBC has announced Jodie Whittaker will exit Doctor Who at the end of 2022.
Following the upcoming Season 13 and three specials in 2022, Whittaker will turn in her sonic screwdriver, and The Doctor will regenerate into the Fourteenth incarnation.
“In 2017 I opened my glorious gift box of size 13 shoes. I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see in them,” Whittaker said.
“My heart is so full of love for this show, for the team who make it, for the fans who watch it and for what it has brought to my life. And I cannot thank Chris enough for entrusting me with his incredible stories,” she continued. “We knew that we wanted to ride this wave side by side and pass on the baton together. So here we are, weeks away from wrapping on the best job I have ever had. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express what this role has given me. I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I’ve learnt forever.”
Showrunner Chris Chibnall is also slated to exit the hit series with Whittaker.
“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,” Chibnall said.
“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,” he continued. “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!”
In addition to his work as showrunner, Chibnall has written some of the series’ most iconic episodes including, “The Hungry Earth/Cold Blood,” “Dinosaurs on a Spaceship,” “Rosa,” and “Spyfall.”
“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,” Chibnall said. “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.”
It was recently announced during Doctor Who’s Comic-Con@Home panel that Season 13 would consist of a six episode story. Whittaker will be joined in the TARDIS by Mandip Gill as Yaz and comedian John Bishop as new companion Dan. Game of Thrones‘ Jacob Anderson will also appear as a recurring guest star.
Beginning with the annual New Year’s Day special, 2022 will also see The Thirteenth Doctor travel through time and space in spring, before wrapping things up in a feature length fall special, where Thirteen will regenerate into Fourteen.
“I wish our successors – whoever the BBC and BBC Studios choose – as much fun as we’ve had. They’re in for a treat!,” Chibnall said.
In true Doctor fashion, Whittaker is already preparing fans for the inevitable sadness that comes with regeneration.
“I know change can be scary and none of us know what’s out there. That’s why we keep looking. Travel Hopefully. The Universe will surprise you. Constantly,” she said.
Doctor Who Season 13 is currently scheduled to premiere in the fall.
What are your thoughts on Jodie Whittaker leaving Doctor Who? Who do you want to see play The Fourteenth Doctor? Let us know in the comments below!
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Stephanie Holland
Stephanie Holland is a nerdy lover of Star Wars, Disney, Doctor Who, Arrowverse, Star Trek and WWE. Is living the dream of turning a lifelong obsession with TV into an actual job. Still waiting for a reboot of the '80s classic Small Wonder.