Jodie Whittaker Rumored to Leave DOCTOR WHO After Series 13, BBC Refuses to Confirm

 
The old "Three Seasons and Out" rule may be happening again.

The Mirror is claiming that current Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker, who plays the Thirteenth Doctor, will leave the series at the end of the upcoming Series 13, which was cut down to 8 episodes because of COVID-19 restrictions slowing down production.  Filming on Series 13 is due to finish this summer and will air in the autumn.

According to the article, Whittaker is supposedly sticking to the traditional rule of leaving the role of the Doctor after three seasons, similar to previous actors Patrick Troughton, Peter Davison, Matt Smith, and Peter Capaldi.  Sylvester McCoy only had three seasons as well, but his run was truncated by the cancellation of the original series of Doctor Who with Season 26 in 1989.

One unnamed insider mentioned in the article, reportedly stated, "It’s all very hush-hush, but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration.  Her departure is top secret but at some point over the coming months, the arrival of the 14th Doctor will need to be filmed. It’s very exciting."  The article also claims insiders stated that Whittaker "is keen to take on other roles."

Meanwhile, the BBC issued a statement regarding the rumor, commenting "We won't be commenting on any speculation around Jodie's future on the show."  It remains in the show's best interest to avoid confirming or denying the rumor, to prevent a major spoiler for the Series 13 finale.

If true, Whittaker will only have 30 episodes as the Thirteenth Doctor by the end of Series 13, one less than Colin Baker's run but more than Christopher Eccleston (13 episodes) and Paul McGann (1 TV movie and 1 mini-episode).

In addition to Doctor Who, Whittaker, 38, is known as Beth Latimer on the ITV series Broadchurch, which was overseen by Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall.  Her other television appearances include episodes of Black Mirror, The Smoke and The Assets.  She also appeared in the films Attack the Block, The Night Watch, and Venus.