Jodie Quittaker...Doctor Who Star Says It Is Time To Leave The Tardis

Jodie Whittaker is set to hang up her sonic screwdriver at the end of the next Doctor Who series, when she will vanish and regenerate into the 14th Time Lord.

- Nicola Methven

The actress has told bosses she intends to keep to the “three years and out” rule upheld by most of her predecessors, which sees the Doctor quit the Tardis after a third full series.

Insiders say that Jodie, 38 – the first female Doctor – is keen to try other roles. The current run of the BBC sci-fi series is due to finish filming this summer, to air in the autumn.

One source revealed while Jodie will follow co-stars Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole out the door this year, creative boss Chris Chibnall will remain.

The insider said: “Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration. Her departure is top secret but at some point over the coming months the arrival of the 14th Doctor will need to be filmed. It’s very exciting.

Other Doctors to leave after three runs include William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Peter Davison, Sylvester McCoy, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi. David Tennant also did three series, but extended his tenure with some specials.