Jodie Whittaker joining Doctor Who was a momentous occasion. For the first time in the show’s 55 year run, the Doctor is a woman. Whittaker’s run on the show has been praised by critics and fans everywhere. Unfortunately, her time with the iconic role may not last very long.
The Doctor Is Out?
There are major rumors flying around that Whittaker is leaving the show in 2019. One reason for her possible exit revolves around her spending less time with family. Doing a full season a year is reportedly too much for the actress.
BBC
For a decade, she’s been married to Christian Contreras, and they have a three year old child together.
Chibnall’s Final Season?
One critical reason for Whittaker to leave involves showrunner Chris Chibnall’s possible exit. He reportedly hasn’t been satisfied with business behind the scenes. Chibnall and Whittaker first worked together on the crime drama Broadchurch.
Tommaso Boddi
“Chris [Chibnall] wouldn’t have cast me as the Doctor because he wanted me to repeat anything that had gone before. And I think as a fan you don’t want to watch something that’s an imitation of something that’s gone before. Or what would be the point of recasting?,” Whittaker told Doctor Who Magazine. Chibnall, who worked on the Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood, replaced showrunner Steven Moffat in 2016.
Cutting It Down
Because of this situation, there have been talks of next season being drastically cut. Instead of 10 episodes, fans will probably only get five or six with the additional Christmas special. If Whittaker leaves, she’ll have the second shorter reign as The Doctor with only two seasons. There’s a slight chance of Whittaker’s possible third season also gaining a five or six episode deal.
BBC
Whittaker’s first season as The Doctor will conclude with a special New Year’s Day special. Filming for next season will begin shortly.
