Chris Chibnall & Jodie Whittaker to Depart Doctor Who

Doctor Who Showrunner Chris Chibnall and the Thirteenth Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, are planning to exit the series, culminating with a trio of specials for 2022.

A six-part season is already set for the fall, and two specials are planned for 2022. BBC One has now asked for an additional final feature-length adventure for the Thirteenth Doctor, which will see a trio of specials released in 2022, before the Doctor regenerates once again.

Chibnall has been helming the show since filming for the Thirteenth Doctor began in 2017, when Whittaker also came aboard as the first woman to play the iconic role.

Chibnall said: “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.

“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 humor. 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 unrivaled 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!”

Whittaker 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 that makes 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.”

Piers Wenger, director of BBC Drama, said: “Over the last four years Chris and Jodie have made Doctor Who history and their time on the show is indelibly marked on our memories. From ‘Rosa’ to ‘Ascension of the Cybermen,’ Chris and Jodie have given Doctor Who some of its most life-affirming and tear-jerking moments to date and we are beyond excited to see what they have in store for us in the new series this autumn. Jodie’s final adventure to mark the BBC’s Centenary in 2022 is set to be a Doctor Who special to remember. I’d like to thank them both for their incredible work on the show.”

Blake Callaway, general manager of BBC America, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to have worked with Chris and Jodie as they ushered in a new era of the Doctor Who franchise, breaking new ground with one of TV’s most iconic heroes and bringing longstanding fans, and new viewers alike, three remarkable seasons. We’re very proud to be a part of a series that, 57 years later, continues to reinvent itself, surprise and delight fans around the world.”