Break my timey-whimey Whovian heart, sounds like the rumors were true and Jodie Whittaker is leaving DOCTOR WHO. Along with our landmark Doctor, the current showrunner, Chris Chibnall, will be leaving with her.
Sounds like their run will end with a trio of specials planned for 2022. The specials will air after, what is being called, “…a six-part Event Serial…”, which one can only assume is the upcoming 13th season, to air later this year. Originally it sounded like it was going to be a duo of specials before the regeneration, but reportedly the BBC wanted at least one more, feature-length special before all this comes to an end. And thank the Time Lords that has come to be.
With the previous rumors about Whittaker leaving the show, one thing I didn’t know, this was something that was always intended from the beginning of her run. Chris Chibnall explains,
Jodie and I made a “three series and out” pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast. So now our shift is done, and we’re handing back the TARDIS keys.
Chibnall continues,
For me, leading this exceptional team has been unrivalled 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!
Jodie Whittaker adds,
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.
Personally, bummed about this news. All I know is I loved the adventures of the 13th Doctor & her Companions, and I will always be grateful for the invite from the BBC Marketing Team for the surprise meet & greet with Jodie Whittaker back at Comic-Con 2017!
Season 13, or 13th Series if you prefer, will air at the end of this year. As for the specials? Sounds like the first will hit January 1st, with the remaining two planned for the Spring and Fall of 2022.
Read the full announcement of this on the DOCTOR WHO website here.
In the meantime, check out the trailer for the upcoming season of DOCTOR WHO.
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