The BBC confirms the departure of Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall from Doctor Who after season 13 and three special episodes.
It wasn’t a closely guarded secret, but now it’s official. It has been rumored for some time that season 13 will be the last for comedian Jodie Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall.
The duo in charge of the Tardis since 2017 will leave BBC Studio’s (‘Peaky Blinders Season 6, The A List Season 3‘) iconic sci-fi franchise next year. Before leaving, they will bring fans Season 13 this fall and three feature films in 2022, the last of which will mark the end of the Thirteenth Doctor.
Whittaker will be remembered as the first woman to play Time Lord, bringing new freshness to the role. Her departure has long been speculated and follows in the footsteps of her predecessors, David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Peter Capaldi, who also played the flagship character for three seasons before passing the baton.
Chris Chibnall had taken over the writing of the series after the departure of Steven Moffat, who was the showrunner for 4 years, himself succeeding Russell T.Davies, who had relaunched the franchise in 2005.
“My heart is so full of love for this series, for the team that makes it, for the fans who watch it, and for what it has brought to my life.”, Whittaker said. “I can’t thank Chris enough for sharing his incredible stories with me. We knew we wanted to ride this wave side by side and pass the baton together. So here we are, a few weeks away from completing the best job I’ve ever had.”
Chibnall, who is leaving along with executive producer Matt Strevens, added, “Jodie and I made a ‘three seasons and go’ pact at the beginning of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So now our work is done and we are handing over the keys to the Tardis. Jodie’s magnificent and iconic Doctor exceeded all our expectations.”
The first of next year’s 3 specials will air on New Year’s Day, followed by the second episode in the spring. Whittaker’s final Tardis tour will air in the fall of 2022 and will be part of the BBC’s centenary celebrations.
As for his replacement in the title role, we don’t know yet who will take over. A rumor announced Olly Alexander, but the information was denied.
