Ahead of the upcoming thirteenth installment of Doctor Who, BBC has announced that lead star Jodie Whittaker is officially leaving the long-running sci-fi series along with showrunner Chris Chibnall. Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor was first introduced in 2017 during the eleventh season. Her casting was monumental because she was the first actress to take on the mantle of the titular Time Lord.

With a six-part season announced for the fall, and two specials already planned for 2022, BBC One has decided to order an additional final feature-length adventure for the Thirteenth Doctor, to form a trio of specials for 2022, before the Doctor regenerates once more.

“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,” Whittaker said in a statement. “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 learned 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.”

Doctor Who currently stars Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor, Mandip Gill as Yasmin Khan, and John Bishop as Dan. Season 13 is expected to pick up right after the events of the series’ latest holiday episode “Revolution of the Daleks,” which aired earlier this year. Unlike previous seasons, Chibnall has confirmed that the upcoming 6-episode new season will now be telling a singular story. The reason on why they’ve changed the format was due to a challenging production schedule caused by the pandemic.

“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,” said Chibnall.

“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 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!”

Season 13 will then be followed by three Specials, the first of which will transmit on New Year’s Day 2022, with another later in spring 2022. Jodie’s final feature-length Special, where the Thirteenth Doctor will regenerate, will transmit in autumn 2022 as part of the BBC’s Centenary celebrations.
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