The British actress has portrayed The Doctor — a shape-shifting alien Time Lord played by men since the show first appeared on British television screens in 1963 — since 2017.

The 39-year-old, who described the role as “the best job I have ever had”, will feature in a six-part Event Serial this autumn as well as in three specials planned for next year.

Showrunner Chris Chibnall will also leave the production in 2022.

“In 2017, I opened my glorious gift box of size 13 shoes. I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see in them,” Whittaker said in a statement.

“My heart is so full of love for this show, for the team who make it, for the fans who watch it and for what it has brought to my life. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express what this role has given me. I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I’ve learnt forever.”

Whittaker played the show’s 13th Doctor, a casting which when first announced, sparked online debates.

Last year, she was voted the show’s second most popular Doctor in a poll for listings magazine Radio Times. Actor David Tennant came first.

Whittaker’s replacement has yet to be announced.