Jodie Whittaker, the first female ‘Doctor Who’ is exiting the show, as per BBC report. The actor is leaving after the third season as she prepares to appear in a six-part event serial and three specials before her time is up with the show.

Jodie Whittaker played the 13th doctor in ‘Doctor Who’. The news of her exit has doubled up on the shock factor as the director who roped her in is also exiting. Show runner Chris Chibnall confirmed his exit. 

The three specials will release in 2022, after the late 2021 released 13th season of ‘Doctor Who’.

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“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,” Jodie told BBC. “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.”

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She added, “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. 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.”

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“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,” Chris Chibnall said in a conversation with BBC. 

He further praised Jodie Whittaker for her exceptional talent and contribution to the show and said, “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, as well as from everyone on the production. I can’t imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor – so I’m not going to!”

“I wish our successors – whoever the BBC and BBC Studios choose – as much fun as we’ve had. They’re in for a treat!,” he added. 

The replacement of Jodie Whittaker is yet to be announced.