When is Jodie Whittaker leaving Doctor Who?

Jodie Whittaker is passing on the title of Timelord after playing the role since 2017 (Picture: BBC Studios/James Pardon/Matt Burlem)

Fans of Doctor Who are getting ready to say goodbye to Jodie Whittaker, the show’s first ever female Doctor.

Having become the Timelord in 2017, Whittaker has spoke about her feelings leaving the series, saying she will be ‘filled with grief.’

But when is she leaving the show, and who could take over as the new Doctor?

Here’s all you need to know.

When is Jodie Whittaker leaving Doctor Who?

It has been confirmed that both Jodie Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall will be leaving the show in 2022.

The announcement accompanied the news that their final episodes will be a trio of specials, culminating in a blockbuster episode that will form part of the BBC’s Centenary celebrations next autumn.

Jodie’s final outing as the Doctor will be a feature-length adventure before the Time Lord regenerates once again, with a new actor stepping into the TARDIS as the 14th iteration of the character.

Jodie first joined the show back in 2017 (Picture: BBC)

But before those 2022 specials that’ll see out her final moments as the Time Lord, Whittaker still has her final episodes in the current 13th series to air.

Series 13 has been one-overarching story subtitled Flux.

The Flux storyline will conclude tonight, December 5.

Addressing the announcement of their exits, Chibnall said: ‘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 added: ‘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.’

Jodie made a big impression after becoming the first-ever female star to appear as the Doctor back in 2017.

She made her first appearance in the Christmas special episode Twice Upon a Time after replacing Peter Capaldi.

Jodie is also known for her performances in Attack the Block, Black Mirror and Broadchurch.

Who will be the next Doctor?

Kris Marshall is favourite to become the new Doctor (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX)

With Whittaker’s exit confirmed, fans have been busy speculating who could take over her role.

I May Destroy You star Michaela Coel emerged as the early favourite to replace her.

Since then, Kris Marshall emerged as a favourite to step into the Tardis, as well as It’s A Sin’s Olly Alexander, after delighting audiences as Ritchie Tozer in the acclaimed drama.

Alexander also happens to be the bookies favourite: ‘Olly Alexander is our favourite to be the new Doctor Who, one of the most famous roles in British television, and he tops the market ahead of Death in Paradise star Kris Marshall,’ said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.

More recently, It’s a Sin’s Omari Douglas has been tipped as a possible contender for show bosses.

Jo Martin at 16-1, Kelly MacDonald at 20-1 and Phoebe Waller-Bridge at 25-1 are some of the outsiders in the market.

‘Kelly MacDonald and Phoebe Waller-Bridge are two outsiders in the betting who could well be contenders, both would definitely be very popular choices,’ added Aitkenhead.

Doctor Who: Flux concludes tonight at 6:20pm on BBC One

MORE : How many series of Doctor Who have there been?

MORE : Doctor Who star Craig Parkinson caught off guard when asked if he could replace Jodie Whittaker: ‘I can’t say anything!’

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