Jodie Whittaker looked in good spirits as she filmed scenes for Doctor Who alongside her co-star John Bishop in Liverpool on Monday.
The actress, 38, was seen laughing and joking with members of the crew as she stood alongside the TARDIS while filming an evening scene.
Fans of the programme were sent wild when passers-by in Liverpool claimed they saw former show star Catherine Tate in the city, prompting speculation she could be returning to the sci-fi series.
On location: Jodie Whittaker looked in good spirits as she filmed scenes for Doctor Who alongside her co-star John Bishop in Liverpool on Monday
Jodie was dressed in her Doctor outfit of a light grey coat with a dark striped jumper while her locks were styled into a bob.
John, 54, is a new addition to the series and is playing the Doctor’s latest companion Dan.
The comedian was seen posing for a photo with a passer-by wearing only a speedo during the evening shoot.
Some passers by claimed they saw Catherine, who played Donna Noble in series four of the show along with several specials, in Liverpool near where Doctor Who was filming.
Return? Fans of the programme were sent wild when passers-by in Liverpool claimed they saw former show star Catherine Tate in the city, prompting speculation she could be returning (pictured with David Tennant)
This led many fans to speculate the actress could potentially reprise the role she played opposite David Tennant.
One user wrote: ‘So I met Catherine Tate and John Bishop today in Liverpool, been a good day.’
Another said: ‘Catherine Tate being spotted in the same location as the Doctor Who finale filming is making complete sense with my fantasy.’
Another added: ‘If Catherine Tate is coming back to Doctor Who I will love it.’
Shoot: John, 54, is a new addition to the series and is playing the Doctor’s latest companion Dan
In character: Jodie was dressed in her Doctor outfit of a light grey coat with a dark striped jumper while her locks were styled into a bob
However, other users insisted the comedian would not be returning to the series.
One said: ‘Catherine Tate is in Liverpool to film a new comedy series for Channel 4 and just happens to be good friends with fellow comic John Bishop. She isn’t filming Doctor Who’.
MailOnline has contacted BBC representatives for comment.
It comes after rumours emerged that Jodie Whittaker will leave Doctor Who after series 13.
Surprise: The comedian was seen posing for a photo with a passerby wearing only a speedo during the evening shoot
Earlier this month, the BBC refused to comment on speculation, after it was reported that the screen star handed in her notice for the show.
Jodie reportedly told BBC bosses that she won’t be returning to the popular series following the conclusion of the upcoming series 13.
That will mark a three-year run for the actress, which is about average for recent actors playing the time-traveling alien.
Matt Smith, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi also appeared on Doctor Who for three series each, while Christopher Eccleston only appeared on one series after the show was revived in 2005.
Speculation: Some passers by claimed they saw Catherine, who played Donna Noble in series four of the show along with several specials, in Liverpool near where Doctor Who was filming
Not happening: However, other users insisted the comedian would not be returning to the series
According to a source for The Mirror, the show is already at work on figuring out how Whittaker will be replaced by the Fourteenth Doctor.
‘It’s all very hush-hush but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration,’ a source said.
‘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.’
As with previous Doctors, at the end of Whittaker’s tenure her character will ‘regenerate’ into a new form, at which point the next actor will take over the role.
Jodie made history in July 2017 when she was announced as the first-ever female doctor after Peter Capaldi ended his run.
Milestone: Jodie made history in July 2017 when she was announced as the first-ever female doctor after Peter Capaldi ended his run; still from Doctor Who