Doctor Who boss reveals Jodie Whittaker’s final episode will break new record

"Listen, it's massive."

By Joe Anderton and David Opie

22 Oct 2022

Doctor Who says goodbye to another era tomorrow (October 23), as Jodie Whittaker departs the leading role while showrunner Chris Chibnall hands over the reins to Russell T Davies once again.

Jodie's last episode 'The Power of The Doctor' is going to go out with a bang, with the departing showrunner himself telling us that it will break a record for the franchise.

"Well, listen, it’s massive," Chibnall told Digital Spy exclusively. "It’s certainly got the most visual effects shots of any Doctor Who episode ever made.

jodie whittaker, doctor who, the power of the doctor

Sarah WealBBC

"It’s action-packed. It starts with a big action sequence. There’s 90 minutes of thrills and spills. There are lots of Easter eggs in there, and I hope we get to keep some of our surprises until the story goes out."

We also asked Chibnall what he would miss most about the show now he's gone, and he said: "I think the thing you miss is the people, because the people are the work. So the work that you do, is working with the people. Definitely that team we put together, and those actors who were so extraordinary, and having all those amazing guest actors come in week after week – that’s always a treat.

"I think the other thing that’s very unique to Doctor Who is: every three weeks, you’ve got a whole new setup. You’ve written a whole new setup and location. You’re suddenly in a space station where last week it was a historical monument or somebody’s flat, so walking onto set, and going, 'Oh, we’re here now?' That’s incredible.

"What I’ve loved… It’s less that you miss it – because you’re going into other productions. But the talent of the design department, and the costume department, and all the directors, to just walk in and you’re instantly transported into a new world – so writing something, and then it’s there… You’re writing something, and it’s suddenly 1950s America or that kind of stuff.

jodie whittaker, mandip gill, doctor who, the power of the doctor

Sarah WealBBC

"So it’s seeing monsters, and coming up with monsters. It’s seeing designs come in. That’s really great. And just generally the camaraderie that we’ve had on the show for the past five years. It’s just been great. But we’re all still in touch, and talking and stuff.

"I mean, we finished shooting last October. So it’s been a year since we finished shooting. So I’ve had a break. We’re all onto new things. It’s nice knowing it’s in amazing hands with Russell and Ncuti. That’s fantastic. So, no, I feel like this is great, because now I just get to watch it. Lovely."

Of course, before we get to Ncuti Gatwa's tenure in the TARDIS, David Tennant is back for the 60th anniversary.

Doctor Who returns this Sunday (October 23) on BBC One. In the US, the show airs on BBC America, with series 1-12 available on HBO Max. Classic Doctor Who streams exclusively on BritBox in the UK.