Jodie Whittaker made history nine years ago when she became the first woman to play Doctor Who since the show began in 1963. The actor took over from Peter Capaldi and portrayed the Thirteenth Doctor until 2022.
Whittaker then made a surprise appearance last year during the season 15 finale, where she reprised her role opposite Fifteenth Doctor Ncuti Gatwa - and according to the star, we may see her back in the TARDIS in the near future.
Speaking to Digital Spy at the Into Film Awards, Whittaker shared her fondness for the long-running sci-fi series and claimed she would happily wield the sonic screwdriver again if asked.
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"I have never ever had to hide my absolute love for Doctor Who and I have said in every single interview that was ever asked, I would always say yes [to returning] and everyone knows that is what I will feel, I will love Doctor Who until the day I die," she said.
The star added: "I think everything to do with Doctor Who is a surprise, who the next doctor is, who the companions are, there's always a surprise coming."
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We last saw the Doctor in 2025, as Sex Education's Gatwa departed the titular role after just two seasons. The final moments of the episode featured a huge twist as the Time Lord regenerated into Billie Piper.
Piper originally played companion Rose Tyler and was last seen in 2010. But the actor's return remains shrouded in mystery as she wasn't actually named as The Doctor in the end credits.
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Meanwhile, there have also been some big surprises off-screen as showrunner Russell T Davies recently announced his decision to exit the series. Following the news, the BBC pulled the plug on the Christmas special as the show had been put out for competitive tender.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Doctor Who's future, Capaldi assured fans that the show "will be the same but different" once it returns.
"Doctor Who has been great to Russell, and it has been great to everybody who's worked any of it and it will continue to be great. It's not going anywhere," he told Digital Spy. "Maybe it will disappear for a while in time and space, that's what the Doctor does."
Doctor Who airs on BBC One in the UK, with classic episodes available via BBC iPlayer.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.
