Jodie Whittaker is grieving Doctor Who exit

Jodie Whittaker is "grief ridden" over her 'Doctor Who' departure.

The 41-year-old actress played the Thirteenth Doctor for three series between 2018 and 2022 before leaving along with showrunner Chris Chibnall as Russell T Davies returned to the helm.

Asked if moving on from playing the Doctor was freeing, she told the 'Kermode and Mayo's Take' podcast: "No. It's my absolute happiness, that job...

"I will never get to dance through a series and have the joy and magic in any other role. I will be forever grief ridden that I'm not The Doctor."

Jodie left as her version of the Time Lord regenerated into David Tennant as he returned to the TARDIs for three 60th anniversary specials, which are currently airing on the BBC.

Once his run as the new Fourteenth Doctor has ended, he will be followed by 'Sex Education' star Ncuti Gatwa.

Despite her time on the show coming to an end, Jodie recently admitted she would be "very happy" to pick up the Sonic Screwdriver again in the future.

She told Metro newspaper's SixtySeconds column: "I mean there's just no debate. For me, it's my absolute happiness.

"It was the most incredible time, it's the most incredible role. Thankfully you were always treated as the Doctor whether you were the current one or not, so I would be very happy to put on my Doctor's coat again."

The TV star also gushed about the 60th Anniversary Special of the show, with Catherine Tate (Donna Noble) back with Tennant to face off against Neil Patrick Harris' dreaded Toymaker.

She said: "I can’t wait, and also it’s the first time for me being a Whovian.

"I didn't grow up in a Whovian house and we didn’t watch it, so it’s the first time now for me that I am full-on fan with no stress attached."