BBC
- Jodie Whittaker, the first female lead of "Doctor Who," has announced that she is leaving the show.
- Whittaker played the Doctor since season 11 and was hired by the current showrunner, Chris Chibnall.
- Chibnall announced he's leaving the show too, saying they made a pact to do three seasons.
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Jodie Whittaker, the current lead of "Doctor Who," is stepping down from the role after three seasons.
Whittaker has starred in the sci-fi show since its 11th season in 2018, becoming the first woman to ever take the role of the Doctor. Now she is leaving the show alongside current showrunner Chris Chibnall.
In her emotional statement on her departure, Whittaker said, "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 who make it, for the fans who watch it and for what it has brought to my life."
Chibnall cast Whittaker in 2017 after being chosen as the new showrunner for the series. Chibnall explained in his own departure statement that he and Whittaker made a "three series and out" pact when they started working together.
Whittaker's predecessors, Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith and David Tenant, also each had the role of the Doctor for only three seasons. In Whittaker's statement, she also thanked Chibnall for bring her into the role.
-Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) July 29, 2021
"And I cannot thank Chris enough for entrusting me with his incredible stories," she added. "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 learnt forever.
Whittaker continued: "I know change can be scary and none of us knows what's out there. That's why we keep looking. Travel Hopefully. The Universe will surprise you. Constantly."
BBC announced that Whittaker's final adventure as the Doctor will be a trio of specials to air in 2022.