Jodie Whittaker is set to exit the role of Doctor Who in 2022.
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Having become the Thirteenth Doctor in 2017, Whittaker has announced that she will be leaving the series. Showrunner Chris Chibnall has announced that he will also be moving on from the long-running series.
Currently, season 13 of Doctor Who is slated to premiere in Fall 2021, and was slated for two special episodes in 2022. BBC One has now commissioned a third special for 2022 that will wrap up the year and Whittaker’s tenure as the Doctor.
“Jodie and I made a “three series and out” pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast,” said Chibnall in a statement. “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 humor. 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!” Chibnall concluded by saying, “I wish our successors – whoever the BBC and BBC Studios choose – as much fun as we’ve had. They’re in for a treat!”
“In 2017 I opened my glorious gift box of size 13 shoes,” said Whittaker. “I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see in them. 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. 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.”
“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.”
The BBC will now launch the hunt for the next Doctor which is a tradition that always sets the fan community talking.
