Jodie Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall are leaving Doctor Who

With the exception of Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston, every actor to play the Doctor on Doctor Who since the series’ 2005 revival has spent three seasons in the role before leaving to make way for someone new. Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to play the part, joined the show in season 11. We’re about to enter season 13, and true to form, the BBC has announced that it will be her last as the Doctor.

Makes sense. The Thirteenth Doctor leaves after Doctor Who season 13? Smells like destiny.

That said, the Thirteenth Doctor won’t regenerate right after season 13, which premieres later this year. Not only are we getting three specials, but Whittaker will also star in a six-part event series which we assume will climax with the Doctor’s regeneration. Season 13 only has six episodes, so it doesn’t even make up half of her remaining time as the Doctor! We’ll get to enjoy Whittaker’s performance for a while longer yet.

Jodie Whittaker and Christ Chibnall made a pact to leave Doctor Who after three seasons

Showrunner Chris Chibnall, who joined the show for season 11, is also departing. “Jodie and I made a ‘three series and out’ pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast,” he said 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 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 unrivaled 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!"

It’s true that part of the reason season 13 is so short is because the pandemic mucked things up. But the specials will make up for that.

Who will play the Fourteenth Doctor?

Jodie Whittaker also said her piece: “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. 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."

As for who will play the Fourteenth Doctor, that’s still an open question. Olly Alexander from It’s a Sin has gotten a lot of buzz, but he’s denied any involvement. Expect speculation to go into overdrive riiiiight about now.

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