‘Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker and Showrunner Chris Chibnall to Depart Series

Doctor Who‘s TARDIS is losing two key players in just a few short months. Since 2017, Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall have been at the helm of the iconic BBC series as the 13th Doctor and showrunner, respectively. After a trio of specials set to air in 2022, though, the duo has announced they’re parting ways with the hit fantasy show.

Whittaker and Chibnall will leave Doctor Who in a six-part event serial announced for the autumn, followed by two specials already planned for 2022. BBC One has also called for a feature-length special for Whittaker’s Doctor, making a whole trio in 2022 before the Doctor regenerates.

“Jodie’s magnificent, iconic Doctor has exceeded all our high expectations,” Chibnall said in a statement. “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, as well as from everyone on the production.”

Chibnall went on to add that he “can’t imagine a more inspiring Doctor,” so instead, he’ll also be exiting the show. The TV creator was the one to make the decision to cast Whittaker as the first female Doctor, also casting folks like Sacha Dhawan and Jo Martin to round out his time on the show.

“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,” Whittaker added in a statement. “And I cannot thank Chris enough for entrusting me with his incredible stories. We knew that we wanted to ride this wave side by side, and pass on the baton together. So here we are, weeks away from wrapping on the best job I have ever had.”

Under the creative vision of Chibnall, Doctor Who has gone on to earn two BAFTA Must See Moment Nominations, along with multiple National Television Award, BAFTA Cymru, TV Choice, and Critics Choice nominations.

Whittaker’s casting as the Doctor was a historical moment for the long-running sci-fi series, as the first woman to play the role.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express what this role has given me,” Whittaker said. “I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I’ve learnt forever.”

Whittaker and Chibnall still have more than a year’s worth of adventures planned together, with Season 13 of Doctor Who set to debut later this year. Scroll up to watch the trailer for Doctor Who Season 13.

Where to watch Doctor Who