British tabloid The Mirror is reporting that the upcoming season of Doctor Who will be the last for current Time Lord, Jodie Whittaker.
Whittaker took over the role from Peter Capaldi in 2017 and became the first woman to play the Doctor in the series’ long history. As with both of her immediate predecessors, she is leaving the series after 3 seasons.
According to those in the know, “It’s all very hush-hush but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration.” What is not know for sure is if the actor told her bosses that she was planning on leaving before or after the series began production on its upcoming shortened season. It is unclear whether Whittaker will leave at the end of the 13th series or the next holiday special.
“Her departure is top secret but at some point, over the coming months, the arrival of the 14th Doctor will need to be filmed. It’s very exciting.” reported the Mirror.
When contacted by Digital Spy and Radio Times regarding her departure, the BBC responded:
“We won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show.”
Since the BBC neither confirmed nor denied the report, it seems quite plausible that this news is not just a rumor.
There is a long-standing tradition of the Doctor regenerating after 3 seasons. Patrick Troughton, the Second Doctor, left after 3 years. Peter Davison, Matt Smith, and Peter Capaldi also left after their third year. David Tennant stuck around to film a year of specials after his third season and Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy also only filmed three seasons. He was expected to return for a fourth year, but the show went on hiatus after his final season in 1990.
Interest in playing other parts, and avoiding being typecast are the reasons being given for the regeneration. The grind of the weekly series also takes its toll on actors.
Whittaker’s departure from the series follows co-stars Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole who both left at the end of this year’s holiday special. Showrunner Chris Chibnall will remain. No word yet on who will replace Whittaker in the starring role.
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