‘Woke’ Doctor Whittaker quits the Tardis
‘Jodie and I made a “three series and out” pact at the start of this once-in-alifetime blast. Now we’re handing back the Tardis keys’
JODIE WHITTAKER is to leave Doctor Who, along with the show’s lead writer, after a four-year run that divided audiences and saw ratings fall to a new low.
Whittaker became the first female Doctor in the history of the BBC sci-fi series when she took on the role in 2017.
But many viewers switched off, with Chris Chibnall, the showrunner accused of introducing “woke” storylines.
Plots included visits to Partition India and an encounter with Rosa Parks, the American civil rights activist, while an episode in the last series dealt with the scourge of single-use plastics.
Whittaker’s departure had been rumoured, but the BBC announced yesterday that Chibnall will leave at the same time. However, there will be one last series, beginning in autumn, and three specials next year including one feature-length adventure.
Whittaker, 39, described the role as “the best job I have ever had”. She 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.
“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. And I cannot thank Chris enough for entrusting me with his incredible stories.”
Chibnall took the helm at the same time as Whittaker, and was instrumental in the casting of a female Doctor.
He said: “Jodie and I made a ‘three series and out’ pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast. So now our shift is done, and we’re handing back the Tardis keys.
“Jodie’s magnificent, 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.
“She captured the public imagination and continues to inspire adoration around the world. I can’t imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor – so I’m not going to.”
Ratings for the series have been in decline. The last series finale, The Timeless Children, was watched by only 3.78 million viewers. The consolidated ratings – taking in seven days’ worth of viewing on iplayer – were 4.69 million, the lowest seven-day figure since Doctor Who was revived in 2005.
Some viewers disliked the fact that Whittaker was paired with a trio of companions, played by Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill, and the introduction of a mysterious “Fugitive
Doctor” played by Jo Martin. The announcement opens the door to speculation about who will take over from her. Names suggested so far include Kris Marshall (Death in Paradise), Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You), Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd) and Phoebe Waller-bridge (Fleabag).