Doctor Who is heading for a 'radical' change when Jodie Whittaker exits

Virgin Radio

26 Aug 2021, 12:18

Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who. Credit: BBC

Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who. Credit: BBC

Doctor Who is a show that has change at its core, but fans should apparently brace themselves for a big shake-up once Jodie Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall have left.

With Jodie, who plays the 14th Doctor, and Chris, who has been in charge of the show since 2017, departing in 2022, the BBC has suggested the next era of the long-running show will bring ‘radical’ changes. 

According to TV blogger Elliot Gonzalez, the Director for Drama at the BBC, Piers Wenger, said at the Edinburgh TV Festival: “As with any change of Doctor and showrunner, we’ll be radical […] Change is ahead.”

It has not yet been announced who will take over from Whittaker in the leading role, after the upcoming series and some specials, nor are there any clues as to what form the changes to the show will take. However, Whilst the big changes that lie further ahead remain unclear, fans will notice a difference to the upcoming 13th series of the sci-fi show. The series, which will star Whittaker, will be part of one story, rather than being more episodic, as is usually the Doctor Who tradition.

Set to return later this year, the new series will feature Game of Thrones star Jacob Anderson, who will play new character Vinder. Meanwhile, Mandip Gill and John Bishop will be reprising their roles.

Regarding her exit from Doctor Who next year, Jodie Whittaker 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 pay tribute to Chris Chibnall, who appointed her to replace Peter Capaldi, saying: "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."

Doctor Who will return to BBC One this autumn.

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