Doctor Who fans divided over star tipped to replace Ncuti Gatwa
Doctor Who fans have been busy speculating about who might be replacing Ncuti Gatwa - but fans are divided after rumours surfaced that a beloved former star could return as the 16th Doctor
TV fans might be getting a new Doctor Who sooner than expected, with speculation mounting that Ncuti Gatwa will be stepping down from the iconic BBC series after this season. As questions arise over who might step into the Tardis next, rumours are also circulating about the show's future.
Fans believe that if Disney decides to end its co-production deal, the show could be axed. Despite the uncertainty, showrunner Russell T Davies remains confident that Doctor Who will continue.
The show is set to take a hiatus until at least 2027 to allow for filming and the next series may be shown on BBC, Gloucestershire Live reports.
Showrunner Russell spoke to Doctor Who Magazine, revealing: "I am confident. Doctor Who is forever, and the future is bright!"
As the show pauses next year, fans will be treated to a spin-off show, The War Between the Land and the Sea, starring Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. But Doctor Who die-hards are already speculating who might take on the iconic role when the programme returns for its 16th revived series.
Doctor Who first aired back in the 1960s and ran for 20 years before it was axed. It was then brought back in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston playing the ninth doctor and Billie Piper playing his loveable companion, Rose - who also appeared in the following seasons alongside David Tennant.
Now, fans think Billie could be next in line for the leading role.
Following the rumours, which have yet to be confirmed, fans were quick to share their thoughts online. On X, previously known as Twitter, one viewer said: "Billie Piper as the 16th doctor with Ncuti Gatwa as her companion @bbecdoctorwho put me in the writers room now."
Meanwhile, a Reddit user sparked discussion by asking: "If the rumours are true, and Billie Piper is the 16th Doctor, how would you feel?"
They continued: "Has anyone else seen the wild rumours floating around that Billie Piper might be cast as the 16th Doctor? As much as I'm struggling to believe it, if it does turn out to be true, how would everyone feel? Personally, I wouldn't be on board with the idea at all, in fact I would hate it."
"Casting Billie Piper would feel like yet another gimmick, much like bringing back David Tennant did. The role of the Doctor should be treated with more care than just trying to generate the biggest online buzz."
They concluded by saying: "Personally, I'd love to see Varada Sethu or Suranne Jones take on the role."
One individual replied, stating: "If she did come back, I'd still just see her as Rose. Rose was such a key part of why the revival was successful I think it'd diminish the character bringing back Billie as 16." Another noted: "Billie can act though. I think her Doctor would be different from Rose plus she's 20 years older now."
A third replied, giving their opinion: "I wouldn't like it, but I wouldn't be surprised at this point."
While one fan disagreed, saying they would like to see Billie in the role, writing: "I'd probably watch it just because it's Billie. She was why I started watching in the first place. Love that lady," as another agreed adding: "I would feel very good about it. Billie is a fantastic actress."
Another Reddit user stated: "A couple of years ago, I'd definitely have loved it. I'd actually already thought about it myself, but since we only just had DT [David Tennant] return, I'm in two minds. I'd have to see how it all played out."
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