Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa says final farewell to the TARDIS as the Fifteenth Doctor regenerates
In Doctor Who season 2 finale The Reality War viewers saw Ncuti Gatwa's final scenes as the Doctor as he steps down from one of the most iconic roles in British television.
In an epic two-part season finale, viewers saw the Doctor face the Rani in an extraordinary battle to save the world and the Doctor made the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of one little girl.
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Since being announced as the Doctor in May 2022, Ncuti Gatwa was launched into the Whoniverse and immediately taken into the hearts of Doctor Who fans across the globe. With his first appearance being part of the show's 60th anniversary celebrations in November 2023, Gatwa's arrival into the show was a never seen before bi-generation which saw him split from the Fourteenth Doctor, played by David Tennant.
His portrayal of the Doctor won Gatwa a Best Actor award at the BAFTA Cymru Awards in 2024, as well as nominations for a BAFTA Scotland Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen, and Best Actor in a Drama Series at The Critics Choice Television Awards in the US in 2025.
Gatwa's first full episode, The Church on Ruby Road saw the Doctor team up with companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, and the two travelled on out of this world adventures, with episodes including The Devil's Chord, Rogue and Boom with Gatwa winning praise globally for his iteration of the iconic character.
In season two, Gatwa gained another companion, Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu and the stakes got higher, with battles bigger than ever before with the duo going back in time to Miami in Lux, travelling to Lagos in The Story & the Engine as well as attending the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest before facing the Rani and Omega in his final battle to save earth before regenerating once more.
Speaking of his decision to leave, Ncuti said: 'You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.
"The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can't thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience. I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.'
Speaking of Ncuti's departure, Russell T Davies, Showrunner said: "What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti's great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights."
Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama added: 'When Ncuti Gatwa first stepped foot on the TARDIS we instantly knew he was going to be an iconic Doctor and it wasn't long before his dazzling performances captured the hearts of so many around the globe. The role of the Doctor is like no other and Ncuti's dedication, charisma and magnetism has taken the Doctor into unchartered territory which we have never experienced before. As Ncuti himself said at the start of this journey - unlike the Doctor he may only have one heart, but he is giving it all to this role - I think we can all agree that he did that, and more. Thanks, Ncuti for being such a special part of the Whoniverse.'
But as viewers said goodbye to the Fifteenth Doctor they got a hello from a much-loved face...
As everyone said farewell to this iconic Doctor, they also got sight of a very familiar face as the Doctor regenerated and it was none other than Billie Piper...
Billie first appeared in the Whoniverse when Doctor Who returned to screens in 2005, as Rose Tyler, the much-loved Companion to the Doctor played by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant. But just how and why she is back remains to be seen…
Speaking of the surprise twist, Russell T Davies adds: "Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she's done it again! It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the TARDIS, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told. After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!"
Speaking of her return, Billie says: "It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that TARDIS one more time was just something I couldn't refuse, but who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see."
Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television.
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