One of the reasons Doctor Who has survived for decades as a show is its constant state of reinvention – both the series and its lead character renews every few years, bringing fresh incarnations of its titular hero and pulling new companions into the fray for more adventures. And now it seems that the Doctor might be preparing to regenerate once again – with reports in The Mirror claiming that Jodie Whittaker is coming to the end of her TARDIS tenure.
According to the paper, the upcoming Series 13 will be Whittaker’s last run as the Time Lord, which wouldn’t necessarily be a surprise – it’ll be her third series in the role, and the last three actors to take on the role (David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi) each left the show at the end of their third turn. The report also claims that Chris Chibnall will stay on as showrunner – which, again, there is precedent for, since Russell T Davies oversaw both Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant’s eras, and Steven Moffat was in charge of both Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi’s runs. The BBC has responded to the reports, stating: “We won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show.” If the reports of Whittaker’s departure do end up being true, expect rumours to run rife in the coming months as to who exactly The Doctor will regenerate into next.
For now Series 13 is currently shooting, facing an extended production and shortened 8-episode run due to the Coronavirus pandemic. It’s expected to air later this year. New Year’s Day brought with it special episode ‘Revolution Of The Daleks’, which included the return of John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness, and – SPOILER WARNING – saw Whittaker’s Doctor say goodbye to companions Graham (Bradley Walsh) and Ryan (Tosin Cole). Despite those departures, Mandip Gill’s Yasmin will return for the new series, and the special also teased the introduction of a new companion to be played by John Bishop.