Jodie Whittaker has played the Doctor for three years (Picture: BBC)
The BBC has responded to reports that Jodie Whittaker is quitting her role as the Time Lord in Doctor Who.
The 38-year-old actress joined the beloved sci-fi series as the show’s first-ever female Doctor three years ago, however, rumours suggest she’s set to leave the franchise in season 13.
Addressing the claims, the BBC told Digital Spy: ‘We won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show.’
The statement comes after claims Jodie allegedly told bosses that she intends to follow the common pattern of Doctor Who stars and leave after three series in the TARDIS.
Her predecessors Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Peter Davison and Sylvester McCoy all left the show after three seasons.
An insider reportedly told the Mirror: ‘It’s all very hush-hush but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration.
Jodie is reportedly leaving Doctor Who (Picture: BBC)
‘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.’
Jodie joined Doctor Who in 2017, making her first appearing in the Christmas special episode Twice Upon a Time.
She recently starred in the New Year’s Day special Revolution of the Daleks which marked Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole’s exit as Graham O’Brien and Ryan Sinclair.
Filming for Doctor Who season 13 began in November, with Jodie returning as the Time Lord.
Around the same time, the BBC announced that the new chapter will be shorter than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic, and will be shy of three episodes.
Showrunner Chris Chibnall confirmed the upcoming series will span eight episodes with hopes of airing the season late in 2021.
Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
