Current Time Lord Jodie Whittaker is set to leave Doctor Who behind this autumn, and many fans are already mourning the departure of her Thirteenth Doctor.
However, behind-the-scenes Whittaker has already technically “left” – she filmed her final scenes in late 2021 – and according to a producer, her own response to that exit has been markedly more positive than you might expect.
“I had a little chat with her recently and she’s great,” Doctor Who executive producer Matt Strevens told Doctor Who Magazine. “She’s spent time with family over Christmas, and has basically just been catching up with people.
“I think she’s also enjoying being the Doctor in a different kind of way now. Because obviously she’s still the Doctor until autumn, and I’ve heard other actors who’ve played the part say there’s a quite nice period, when you’ve finished filming but you’re still wearing the coat.”
More generally, Strevens (who is also leaving the show alongside Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall) paid tribute to Whittaker’s time as Doctor Who lead, noting that many cast and crew had been impressed by her dedication and leadership.
“She’s not only an incredible actor but an incredible human being,” Strevens said.
!["Matt]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2020/02/GettyImages-1047138770-41c9feb-scaled.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"BBC")
“Doctor Who is so mad, and manic, and full-on, and you’re constantly learning pages of monologue… Jodie did all that with such good humour and grace, but she’s also one of the nicest company leaders I’ve ever known.
“She really makes that floor a joy, and everyone who came onto that set was made to feel warm and welcome. That’s been really special. And Mandip [Gill], too. We had Mandip for the entire journey, and she’s an angel. Such a lovely woman, and great fun.”
Altogether, it sounds like Whittaker has left the behind-the-scenes team on a positive note. Though whether fans will be able to remain as upbeat when the Thirteenth Doctor regenerates is, of course, another story.
Colin Baker, Bonnie Langford and Russell T Davies reveal a new adventure for the Sixth Doctor!
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DWM 574 includes an exclusive preview of Mind of the Hodiac. Plus an interview with Doctor Who’s outgoing executive producer Matt Strevens and much more.
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Doctor Who returns to BBC One this spring, followed by a centenary special in the autumn. For more, check out our dedicated Sci-Fi page or our full TV Guide.
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