Jodie Whittaker exits ‘Doctor Who’: What does the TV show have in store?
Doctor Who tends to have a trend. It’s not really a pattern because there are exemptions in the TV show. But, well, it’s common enough at this point that it’s definitely something. A Doctor usually lasts about three seasons of the show before exiting the series. Regeneration! It’s endlessly fun in that sense, right? Like we said, while this is generally the rule in the show, it’s especially true for the current iteration.
Ever since David Tennant hung up his duster, every actor who plays the Doctor on the beloved television show will exit after three seasons. It’s a bit like clockwork to be honest. And rumors of them leaving will inevitably start after their second season has entered production. Welcome to the world, folks. A Doctor exiting is more reliable than most things.
Jodie Whittaker’s exit from the show will always be a bit bittersweet. She was, after all, the first female actor to take the role of the Doctor. She really did make it her own with Chris Chibnall as the showrunner for the series. Of course, after three seasons, she’s planning on leaving. Let’s go over what we know about Whittaker’s upcoming exit from Doctor Who, shall we?
What we know so far
According to EW, Jodie Whittaker & Chris Chibnall are going to exit Doctor Who in 2022. Whittaker’s exit will be led in by three feature-length special episodes, which is definitely giving us “David Tennant exits as the Tenth Doctor” vibes. Tennant and showrunner Russell T Davies preceded their exit with a series of four specials on the BBC and BBC America.
Chibnall said in a statement, “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!”
In her own statement, Whittaker added, “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.”
What’s next for the Doctor?
We still have season 13 of Doctor Who plus the specials in 2022. Meanwhile, the series is probably going to have to look for a new actor to play the Doctor and a new showrunner for the TV show. We’ll probably hear that news sometime in 2022. It’s going to be exciting to see what actor will be cast in the role moving forward. Because who knows what the new Doctor will bring?
Until then, a trailer for season 13 has been released, which you see above. It looks like the Doctor has her hands full in this six-episode season. Season 13 will air on BBC One in the UK & BBC America in the US as always. There’s still no word as if Mandeep Gill will continue as Yasmin Khan. Same with new companion for the Doctor: John Bishop as Dan Lewis.
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What do you think about Whittaker’s exit from the TV show? Who do you think should be the next Doctor? Let us know in the comments below!
