THE BBC will not confirm or deny if Jodie Whittaker has stepped down as Doctor Who’s first female Time Lord.
It was reported over the weekend that the 38-year-old actress quit Doctor Who after becoming the first female star to take on the role of the famous character back in 2017.
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But she will leave after the next series – maintaining the tradition of the Doctor regenerating after three stints in the TARDIS.
But the BBC has refused to make any statements about Jodie’s tenure on Doctor Who.
“We won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show,” a BBC spokesperson told Digital Spy.
The Mirror report that Jodie is keen to take on new roles, with producers preparing for the next regeneration.
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An insider told the publication: “It’s all very hush-hush but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration.
“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.”
The Sun has contacted Jodie’s reps for comment, and the BBC declined to comment when approached.
Filming for the next series of Doctor Who is expected to finish this summer, ready to air in the Autumn.
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The series has already been cut down to just eight episodes as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has slowed down production.
The majority of Jodie’s predecessors also left their role as the Doctor after three series, including Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith, and Sylvester McCoy – among others.
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Jodie previously said that she cries at just the thought of leaving the show, suggesting that this was not an easy decision for her to make.
She said at the time: “If I even think about leaving, it makes me cry. When it happens, I can pre-empt it will be my most devastating moment.
“I absolutely adore it. At some point, these shoes are going to be handed on, but it’s not yet. I’m clinging on tight.”
The star made her debut in the 2017 Christmas special when she regenerated from Capaldi after he was shot by Cybermen.
