Who is replacing Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who and why did she quit?

Doctor Who fans are desperate to know who's replacing Jodie Whittaker amid reports that she's leaving the Tardis behind.

According to the Mirror, the star will bow out after three seasons of being the first female Doctor at the end of the upcoming series.

But who will be replacing Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who? Here's everything you need to know.

Jodie Whittaker is the first female Doctor (Credit: PA)

Who is replacing Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who?

A new star is set to take on the role when the next regeneration occurs. Until then, the BBC will undoubtedly remain tight-lipped to keep the big reveal a surprise. But that's a little too long a wait for our liking, so we decided to speak to Ladbrokes to get a heads up.

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"Jodie Whittaker's shock exit from the Tardis means the betting is wide open," Jessica O'Reilly of Ladbrokes tells me. "Currently, it's Michaela Coel who punters would love to see become the next Doctor."

With that in mind, here's a look at all the likely contenders in with a chance of replacing Whittaker next year.

Michaela Coel - 5/1

Michaela Coel wrote and starred in I May Destroy You (Credit: PA)

According to Ladbrokes, Michaela Coel is chalked up with 5/1 to replace Whittaker in the Tardis. 33-year-old Coel became a household name after penning and starring in BBC's lockdown hit, I May Destroy You.

She is also known for the E4 sitcom Chewing Gum, as well as her roles in the Netflix series, Black Mirror.

Richard Ayoade 6/1

BAFTA-winning actor Richard Ayoade is seen presenting the Chivas Final (Credit PA)

Ladbrokes has found that Richard Ayoade is fancied at 6/1.

Ayoade, who is 43-years-old, is an English comedian, film director and actor.

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He is recognised for his role as the endearingly awkward IT technician, Maurice Moss, in the Channel 4 series, The It Crowd. The sitcom ran between 2006 and 2013.

Kris Marshall 6/1

Actor Kris Marshall arrives for the UK premiere of Merchant Of Venice (Credit: PA)

Kris Marshall also comes in at 6/1. The English actor has starred in films, television and on stage for over 20 years.

Fans will remember him from Richard Curtis' romantic comedy, Love Actually, where he played the role of Colin Frissell. He also played Nick Harper in My Family.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge 8/1

Phoebe Waller-Bridge attends a photo call for Fleabag Series 2 (Credit: PA)

The creator of Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge is tipped at 8/1 according to the bookies.

The actor was also the head writer and executive producer for the first series of Killing Eve. Waller-Bridge adapted the show, which stars Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh, for television.

Jodie Comer 10/1

Jodie Comer attends Virgin Media's 45th Broadcasting Press Guild Awards (Credit: PA)

And the breakout star of Killing Eve, Jodie Comer, is fancied at 10/1.

Her role as Oksana Astankova or Villanelle in the BBC America comedy-drama garnered her much critical acclaim. She went nto win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. As well as the British Academy Television Award for Best Actress.

John Boyega 10/1

Here John Boyega attends the Black Panther premiere (Credit: PA)

John Boyega clocks in at 10/1. The British-Nigerian actor and producer rose to international fame after he starred as Finn in the Star Wards sequel trilogy films.

He is also known for playing the role of Moses in the sci-fi feature, Attack the Block.

Reece Shearsmith 12/1

Shearmsith is also tipped to be the Doctor (Credit: PA)

Finally, Reece Shearmsith is tipped for the Tardis at 12/1.

The 51-year-old co-created, co-wrote, and starred in the sketch show, The League of Gentlemen. He has previously appeared in Doctor Who, when he made a cameo in the episode, Sleep No More.

Why did Jodie Whittaker quit Doctor Who?

After news broke of Whittaker's planned departure, a BBC spokesperson told Digital Spy: "We won't be commenting on any speculation around Jodie's future on the show."

Currently, it's not wholly clear why the actress has chosen to quit Doctor Who, which she took on back in 2017. However, the Mirror has suggested that the mother-of-one is looking to take up other roles after she completes filming the current run of the long-running British sci-fi show.

"It’s all very hush-hush but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration," an insider told the publication. "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 the show after three runs include, William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Peter Davison, Sylvester McCoy, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi.

Jodie Whittaker attends the 2018 premiere of Doctor Who (Credit: PA)

When does the next series of Doctor Who start?

Although there's no official premiere date for Doctor Who series 13 right now, the BBC has said that new episodes will be released this year.

This will most likely be in the autumn or winter towards the end of 2021.

"The 13th series starts on BBC One later in 2021," the BBC said in a press release. Executive producer, Matt Strevens added that fans would be able to watch the new programming "later this year."

However, there will only be eight episodes in series 13. This is three less than usual so that the show can stick to its usual production cycle in light of health and safety guidelines due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.