Jodie Whittaker will leave 'Doctor Who' after three special episodes in 2022.
Jodie Whittaker
The 39-year-old actress - who first joined as the Doctor under showrunner Chris Chibnall's leadership in 2017 - is stepping down from the role after the specials, which will follow the upcoming six-part 13th series due to air later this year on BBC One.
Chris - who is also leaving - said in a statement: "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."
He hailed Jodie's take on the Time Lord as "magnificent" and "iconic", and explained his decision to depart at the same time.
He added: "I can’t imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor - so I’m not going to!"
Jodie - whose final appearance will come in a feature length special - spoke of her love for the show, as well as its crew and fans.
She said: "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. 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 learnt 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.”
The BBC added that plans for the new generation of 'Doctor Who' will be announced "in due course".
And Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama, commented: “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 Parks 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.”
Jodie's final season airs later this year, with the three specials following on New Year's Day, spring 2022 and the regenation special in the autumn 2022.
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