Jodie Whittaker reportedly quit her role as the 13th Time Lord on Doctor Who, telling bosses of the sci-fi drama that she will not return after the upcoming series.
And Whoopi Goldberg has now revealed that she has set her sights on stepping into the TARDIS as the next Doctor.
The Sister Act star, 65, said she wanted to be the first female Doctor, before Jodie, 38, claimed the role in July 2017, and now hopes to be the first American Time Lord.
Next Doctor? Whoopi Goldberg has revealed that she has set her sights on being cast as the 14th Doctor – and the first ever American Time Lord (pictured in October 2019)
She admitted that she has even spoken about her big plans to Doctor Who alum Tom Baker, who was fan-favourite as the fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981.
She told The Daily Star: ‘I wanted to be the first female Doctor, but they have one.
‘I said to him, ‘I love the idea of an American Doctor Who’… I’m still trying to do it.’
Whoopi admitted that although she thinks the younger Doctors, which include portrayals by David Tennant and Matt Smith, her favourite ‘older’ Doctor was Tom.
Farewell! Jodie Whittaker reportedly quit her role as the 13th Time Lord on Doctor Who, telling bosses of the sci-fi drama that she will not return after the upcoming series
MailOnline has contacted the BBC’s representatives for comment.
The Ghost star is no stranger to appearing in a sci-fi cult favourite, as she previously played Guinan in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
It is the third time that the Oscar winner has revealed her ambitions to join the popular Doctor Who franchise.
In 2019, Whoopi revealed that she was turned down by BBC bosses when she offered to take on the role of the first female Doctor Who.
Speaking on David Tennant’s podcast, the Hollywoods star admitted she asked to play the role before Jodie Whittaker landed the job, but producers sadly declined.
Support: Whoopi, 65, admitted that she has even spoken about her big plans to Doctor Who alum Tom Baker, who was fan-favourite as the fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981
Whoopi told David: ‘I wanted to be the first female Doctor,’ before adding that she thought the series could show ‘the American version of Doctor Who ends up in New York and it’s me’.
She continued: ‘We don’t have a Doctor Who. We don’t have that character who is travelling through dimension and time, and being an observer – sometimes a hindrance, sometimes a help. The idea of that just so made me happy.’
Whoopi then went on to admit that her offer was declined by Who bosses, saying: ‘But they were like, ”Um, no.” So I was like, ”OK, I’m cool. I understand.”’
Going on to explain her love for science fiction, Whoopi added: ‘I always felt like science fiction movies predicted the future.
‘They told you what was coming, and how to prepare for it. Whether it was climate change, hand computers or being able to move around in different dimensions.’
Pick me! In 2019, Whoopi revealed that she was turned down by BBC bosses when she offered to take on the role of the first female Doctor Who (pictured in November 2018)
Whoopi also shared her desire to land a role in Doctor Who in 2017, telling Radio Times: ‘I always hope when I come to England the BBC will say, “Hey we want you to do something [on Doctor Who]”. I would love that.
‘You have a different quality now on television. The way you guys have always done shows has always been the smartest and we’ve finally just figured it out.
‘I like the idea of doing things the way y’all do them. You do some really fun stuff like Black Mirror or, you know, I’m still dying to do Doctor Who.’
Whoopi’s latest comments come as Doctor Who fans lauded Jodie for showing ‘women can be heroes too’ amid claims the actress is quitting the show.
The actress, is said to have told bosses of the BBC adventure show that she won’t return after the upcoming season, so they’ll need to start thinking about recasting the role of the Time Lord.
End of an era: Jodie is said to have told bosses of the BBC show that she won’t return after the upcoming season, so they’ll need to start thinking about recasting the role of the Time Lord
The news of Jodie’s alleged departure left fans emotional with viewers praising the ‘inspiring’ star for making them ‘fall in love with the show again’ during her tenure as the 13th Doctor.
One fan wrote: ‘Jodie Whittaker was always there for fans, inspiring the younger generation that women can be heroes too.
‘They have someone to look up to. She’s truly a remarkable person.’
Speaking of Jodie’s reported departure from the show, 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.
Second female doctor? Michaela Coel and Richard Ayoade have now emerged as the bookies’ favourites to replace Jodie Whittaker as the 14th Doctor Who (pictured in I May Destroy You)
A BBC spokesman told Digital Spy: ‘We won’t be commenting on any speculation around Jodie’s future on the show.’
And Michaela Coel and Richard Ayoade have now emerged as the bookies’ favourites to replace Jodie Whittaker as the 14th Doctor Who.
The Chewing Gum actress, 33, and the IT Crowd actor, 43, lead the odds for the coveted role with Ladbrokes at 5/1 and 6/1 respectively.
Michaela has won acclaim for her BAFTA-winning role in Chewing Gum and more recently in the BBC /HBO drama, I May Destroy You – making her the hot favourite.
Death In Paradise star Kris Marshall, 47, is the third favourite at 6/1. Kris was widely rumoured to be the 13th Doctor back in 2017 with mounting speculation he could finally step into the Tardis in 2021.
Doctor You? The Chewing Gum actress, 33, and the IT Crowd actor, 43, lead the odds for the coveted role with Ladbrokes at 5/1 and 6/1 respectively
Fleabag and Killing Eve mastermind Phoebe Waller-Bridge, 35, has odds of 8/1, while Killing Eve star Jodie Comer, 27, and Star Wars actor John Boyega are at 10/1.
Rounding off the favourites are The League of Gentleman star Reece Shearsmith at 12/1.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: ‘It really is a case of Doctor ‘Who?’ at the moment following Jodie Whittaker’s announcement, and while Michaela Coel leads the betting, Richard Ayoade is close behind as a popular second-favourite.’
Other names in the frame include Line of Duty star Vicky McClure, Game Of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer, Maxine Peake, James Norton and Tom Rosenthal.
New companion: John Bishop is the latest famous face who is set join the cast of Doctor Who for the beloved sci-fi show’s upcoming series 13 – taking on the role of Dan
John Bishop is the latest famous face who is set join the cast of Doctor Who for the beloved sci-fi show’s upcoming series 13.
The comedian, 54, will take on the role of Dan as he boards the TARDIS alongside The Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and Yaz (Mandip Gill).
Talking about the new role, the comedian said: ‘If I could tell my younger self that one day I would be asked to step on board the TARDIS, I would never have believed it.
‘It’s an absolute dream come true to be joining Doctor Who and I couldn’t wish for better company than Jodie and Mandip.’
Filming for series 13 began earlier this year in November and John is set to make his first appearance later in 2021.