A new rumor suggests Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker will leave the show in 2022, after an abridged season 13 and two specials. Regeneration is the secret to Doctor Who's longevity, allowing the series a unique opportunity to reinvent itself every few years. It's not just that Doctor Who changes its stars; whenever the Doctor changes, it signals a change in character arc, tone, and style.
For months now, there have been rumors swirling that Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker is soon to leave the TARDIS, with the BBC refusing to comment. It would make sense, if only because it corresponds with the classic "Three-Season Rule" proposed by Second Doctor actor Patrick Troughton, and followed by numerous other Doctors over the decades. The BBC's reticence has itself been taken as something of an indication, suggesting there may well be something to these reports.
British tabloid The Daily Mirror is now reporting Whittaker will depart later than expected, claiming insiders have told them she will star in season 13 and two specials that will air in 2022. "As ever bosses are staying tight-lipped about what they have planned, but with filming still ongoing they clearly have plans for episodes to be playing out much later into 2022," one source reportedly told them, "so there’s still more to come for Jodie’s Doctor." Strangely, the tabloid links Whittaker's upcoming departure with her not appearing on the front cover of the 2022 Doctor Who annual, but that appears to be nothing more than a surmise. Rather than featuring the Doctor's portrait, as is the norm, the cover instead shows the TARDIS.
The reports should be handled with caution, but it is important to note The Daily Mirror does have a history of Doctor Who scoops. What's more, the timing of all this is particularly interesting; current Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall prefers to take his time with the series, with lavish production values meaning there are fewer episodes airing less frequently (season 12 finished in December 2018, with season 13 not kicking off until January 2020). Thus it's entirely possible 2022 could simply see the release of two specials rather than a full season, with Whittaker regenerating at the end and 2023 ushering in a new Doctor. That would be quite appropriate, given 2023 is Doctor Who's 60th anniversary.
Hopefully, the British tabloid's account is accurate in this account, because in truth Doctor Who has largely failed Whittaker over the last couple of years. Poor writing means she has failed to have a strong character arc, while flawed creative decisions (notably too many companions) have undermined episodes' narrative flow. It would be good to see Whittaker given a little more time to shine, and it is to be hoped these specials will be accompanied by wiser creative choices and better writing. She deserves the chance to show the world why she is the perfect star for Doctor Who.
Source: Daily Mirror