BBC’s hit series Doctor Who says final goodbyes to the first female Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker. 

After serving a duration of three seasons as the Doctor, Whittaker is leaving the franchise as her pact of acting alongside showrunner Chris Chibnall comes to an end. 

In Whittaker’s final performance, two former Doctor Who companions will be returning to the screen- Ace (Sophie Aldred) and Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding). Fielding played alongside Tom Baker and Peter Davidson and will appear on Doctor Who for the first time in roughly 40 years. Aldred acted as Ace from 1987 until 1989 with Sylvester McCoy. Before Doctor Who was revived in 2005 by showrunner Russell T. Davies, Aldred was the final companion in the series. 

A teaser clip revealed past antagonists such as Daleks, Cybermen, and The Master (Sacha Dhawan) are going to make a reappearance for the season’s finale.

When Whittaker was announced as the 13th Doctor, fans were skeptical about the change, thus sparking controversy. Since Doctor Who’s first episode in 1963, the role of the Doctor has been portrayed as a man. During Whittaker’s time as the Doctor, the audience grew divided on the show’s course, believing it was drawing too close to the political atmosphere. However, not all of the aversion is towards Whittaker portraying the Doctor- it is also directed towards Chibnall. Fans of the series concur that the writing is abysmal and lacking when concerning the character development and preachy storylines.

Currently, the fourteenth Doctor is unknown but is rumored to be announced soon. Though, it is rumored that candidates for the 14th Doctor include: Richard Ayoade, Lydia West, David Tennant, and Olly Alexander. Additionally, it has been confirmed that Davies will be returning as the showrunner for the new season.