• The actress, 38, is said to have told bosses that she won’t return after the forthcoming new series
• A source told The Daily  Mirror: ‘It’s all very hush-hush but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration’
• A BBC spokesman told Digital Spy : ‘We won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show’
• The series typically sees the titular Doctor ‘regenerate’ every three-four years
• Jodie made history when she was announced as the first-ever female Doctor in 2017, taking over the role from outgoing Peter Capaldi
• In January 2020, she said: ‘I absolutely adore [the role]. At some point, these shoes are going to be handed on, but it’s not yet. I’m clinging on tight!’
• John Bishop, 54, has joined the cast for upcoming series 13, taking on the role of Dan as he boards the TARDIS

Jodie Whittaker is quitting as Doctor Who at the end of the next series, it was reported last night.

The actress, 38, is said to have told bosses of the BBC sci-fi drama series that she won’t return after the forthcoming new season, and that they’ll need to start thinking about recasting the role of the Time Lord.

A source told The Daily Mirror: ‘It’s all very hush-hush but it is known on set that 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.

A BBC spokesman told Digital Spy: ‘We won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show.’

The series – which has been on the air on and off since 1963 – typically sees the titular Doctor ‘regenerate’ every three-four years.

It’s said that Jodie – who has also starred in the likes of Broadchurch, Black Mirror and The Smoke during her career – always planned to stick to this rhythm. It is also said she wants to pursue other roles.

In January 2020, Jodie told Entertainment Weekly: ‘I absolutely adore [the role]. At some point, these shoes are going to be handed on, but it’s not yet. I’m clinging on tight!’

Jodie made history when she was announced as the Thirteenth (and first ever female) Doctor in July 2017.

She took the role from the prior star of the show, Peter Capaldi, who played the iconic character from 2014-2017.