AVClub recently floated a rumor that actress Jodie Whittaker (Broadchurch) may be leaving Doctor Who after the next season. Whittaker currently plays the titular role in the series. Traditionally, lead actors have been leaving Doctor Who after at least three seasons. Recent examples include David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Peter Capaldi (Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Doctor, respectively). However, there have also been exceptions like Christopher Eccleston, who appeared in the leading role for only one season. So far, BBC has responded to the rumor by stating it “won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show.”
Doctor Who is one of the longest-running science fiction shows in TV history. It premiered on 23 November 1963, with William Hartnell playing the first incarnation of the time-traveling alien who helps protect humanity and the universe from various evils. The show aired for 28 seasons before going on hiatus in the late 1980s. Doctor Who regained its fame thanks to the 2005 relaunch helmed by Russell T. Davies. Back in 2018, the first news about the casting of Whittaker in a role traditionally played by male actors caused some controversy on the internet. Since then, however, she proved more than capable of filling out the Doctor’s shoes.
