In this special episode of the RadioTimes.com Doctor Who podcast, we share our initial reactions to the news that Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall will be leaving the TARDIS behind. <\/p>
It\u2019s not exactly been a quiet week when it comes to Doctor Who<\/a> news.<\/p>\n On Sunday (25th July), we heard the announcement that the upcoming thirteenth series would be taking the form of one serialised story<\/a>, with Game of Thrones star Jacob Anderson set to join the cast as recurring character Vinder<\/a>.<\/p>\n And then on Thursday came bigger news still: the confirmation that Jodie Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall would both be stepping down<\/a> from the show at the end of the new series, after a trilogy of specials.<\/p>\n \u201cJodie and I made a \u2018three series and out\u2019 pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast,\u201d Chibnall explained in a statement. \u201cSo now our shift is done, and we\u2019re handing back the TARDIS keys.<\/p>\n \u201cJodie\u2019s magnificent, iconic Doctor has exceeded all our high expectations,\u201d he added. \u201cShe\u2019s 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\u2019t imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor \u2013 so I\u2019m not going to!\u201d<\/p>\n\n Whittaker added, \u201cIn 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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\u2019t think I\u2019ll ever be able to express what this role has given me. I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I\u2019ve learnt forever.<\/p>\n \u201cI know change can be scary and none of us know what\u2019s out there. That\u2019s why we keep looking. Travel Hopefully. The Universe will surprise you. Constantly.\u201d<\/p>\n Given the magnitude of the news, we\u2019ve recorded a special extra episode of the\u00a0RadioTimes.com<\/a> Doctor Who podcast (above) in which we recorded our initial reactions to the shock news and discuss what it might mean for the future of the show \u2013 in series 13 and beyond.<\/p> Want more? Head to our\u00a0Sci-fi<\/a> hub to check out our reaction to the departures, or listen to this week\u2019s earlier podcast<\/a> in which we discussed the serialisation news and the casting of Jacob Anderson.<\/p>\n