Jodie Whittaker And Chris Chibnall To Exit Doctor Who In 2022

Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall announced Thursday morning that he, and current Doctor Jodie Whittaker, are leaving the show in 2022. The BBC is reporting that their exit from the show will be part of a huge television event that will celebrate the company's centennial event.

BBC is planning on three specials to celebrate the occasion before the Doctor regenerates. Two of them will be special event episodes, but BBC One has also asked for a television movie to be made as well.

Jodie Whittaker stepped aboard the TARDIS to begin filming in 2017 as the first woman to play the iconic role, replacing Peter Capaldi. In 2020, Jodie was voted second place in Most Popular Doctor of all time, coming so close to her friend David Tennant, in a poll of more than 50,000 fans for Radio Times.

"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," Whitaker 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."

She went on to add that she cannot thank Chibnall enough for entrusting her with his incredible stories. "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."

With over a year of new stories, the Thirteenth Doctor will return this year before regenerating one more time.