DIE hard Doctor Who fans have heaped praise on Jodie Whittaker who is reportedly moving on from playing the Time Lord.
The 38-year-old actress became the first female star to take on the role of the famous character back in 2017.
But she will reportedly leave after the next series – maintaining the tradition of the Doctor regenerating after three stints in the TARDIS.
The BBC has refused to make any statements about Jodie’s tenure on Doctor Who.
“We won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show,” a BBC spokesperson told Digital Spy.
Even though the actress has not publicly addressed speculation she is leaving, her fans have rallied around Jodie, saying they loved her as the Doctor.
They started a campaign, #JodieOurDoctor, which was soon trending on Twitter.
Fans said “she goes way beyond gender representation” and that Jodie was “the perfect choice for the first woman in this iconic role”.
They also said, “Jodie’s take on the Doctor has brought hope, joy and so much more to so many people”.
Another Twitter user wrote: “I just wanted to say that Jodie Whittaker is one of my favourite incarnations of the Doctor. In person and on screen, she’s a beaming light of hope, illuminating the darkest of days. A Doctor I’ll always hold close to the hearts.”
And a third added: “In light of the recent rumours, whether she stays or goes, let it go on record that we absolutely love and support Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor. She has proven that she is absolutely The Doctor, and that the character isn’t defined by gender.”
The Mirror reported last week Jodie is keen to take on new roles, with producers preparing for the next regeneration.
An insider told the publication: “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.”
Filming for the next series of Doctor Who is expected to finish this summer, ready to air in the Autumn.
The series has already been cut down to just eight episodes as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has slowed down production.
The majority of Jodie’s predecessors also left their role as the Doctor after three series, including Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith, and Sylvester McCoy – among others.
Jodie previously said that she cries at just the thought of leaving the show, suggesting that this was not an easy decision for her to make.
She said at the time: “If I even think about leaving, it makes me cry. When it happens, I can pre-empt it will be my most devastating moment.
“I absolutely adore it. At some point, these shoes are going to be handed on, but it’s not yet. I’m clinging on tight.”
The star made her debut in the 2017 Christmas special when she regenerated from Capaldi after he was shot by Cybermen.
