JODIE WHITTAKER The favourites to fill her place in the Tardis as the next Doctor Who
WE LOOK AT THOSE TIPPED TO BECOME THE NEXT TIME LORD
She made history as the first female Time Lord, but last week, Jodie Whittaker announced she is quitting Doctor Who after three series.
Discussing her decision to leave the longest- running sci- fi show on TV, which earnt her a Bafta nomination, the 39-year-old actress said: “In 2017, I opened my glorious gift box of size-13 shoes. I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see in them.”
She added: “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.”
The actress will step down next year after “a trio of specials, culminating in an epic blockbuster to air in autumn 2022 as part of the BBC’s centenary celebrations”, the BBC said. She will be followed out of the Tardis door by showrunner Chris Chibnall, who hired Jodie and took charge of the programme that same year.
He said: “Jodie and I made a ‘ three series and out’ pact with each other at the start of this oncein-a-lifetime blast. So now our shift is done.
“Jodie’s iconic Doctor has exceeded all our high expectations. She’s been the gold- standard leading actor, shouldering the responsibility of being the first female Doctor with style, strength, warmth, generosity and humour.
“I can’t imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor – so I’m not going to!”
THE SEARCH IS ON
The hunt is now on to find the 14th Doctor for the show, which first aired in 1963.
Although the BBC is keeping its cards close to its chest, hello! spoke to Fitzdares bookmakers to see who is tipped to fill Jodie’s shoes.
At 4/6, Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander is the regeneration favourite, despite last month dismissing rumours of him stepping into the Doctor’s size 13s.
I May Destroy You star and Bafta
award winner Michaela Coel is a close second at 10/1, while the mix also sees comedian and The IT Crowd’s Richard Ayoade at 12/1, Star Wars hero John Boyega at 20/1 and Fleabag’s Phoebe WallerBridge coming in at 33/1.
William Woodhams, Fitzdares’ chief executive, tells us: “After his brilliant performance in It’s a Sin, it’s hardly surprising Olly finds himself as TV’s hottest property.
“Doctor Who has begun to push boundaries in recent years and it would be another step in the right direction to cast someone who has been such an icon for the young LGBTQ+ community across the performing arts.”
He added: “Richard Ayoade may seem like a curveball but it’s actually quite a logical move to keep this historic franchise moving and perhaps add a little humour that’s been lacking in the past.”
Whoever takes over, Chris had words of encouragement, saying: “I wish our successors… as much fun as we’ve had. They’re in for a treat!”
‘In 2017, I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see’