Ncuti Gatwa shares emotional message to fans and co-stars after Doctor Who exit
Ncuti Gatwa has shared an emotional post thanking his co-star companions after leaving the show.
Gatwa's 15th Doctor regenerated in Saturday's finale (May 31), and regenerated into the returning Billie Piper.
In a statement provided by the BBC, the Scottish-Rwandan actor said the "journey has been one that I will never forget".
Now, he has shared a social media post thanking co-stars Millie Gibson and Varada Sethu.
Gatwa regenerating in his final episode of Doctor Who (Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/PA)
Gibson played Ruby Sunday and was the main companion in Gatwa's first series as the 15th Doctor.
Her character appeared less frequently in the second series, with Varada Sethu's Belinda Chandra taking the mantle as the new companion.
Taking to Instagram, Gatwa shared a picture of the trio, and said: "Three queens of the sky,
"Twas an experience like no other and thank God we were by eachothers side.
"There aren't quite the words for how much you both mean to me but I am so grateful I got the opportunity to work, learn from and laugh with you both everyday.
"You're both just simply incredible and it has been nothing short of a blessing to share this journey with both of you.
"Ruby Sunday and Belinda Chandra will live in mine and the Whoniverse hearts forever.
"Also shout out to the CAPTAIN of all 15's companions. Captain Poppy. Ultimate top dog of this season! (lil Sienna brought so much life and magic to us all on set ) I love you guys. We did it."
It was the first of two Instagram posts Gatwa has shared since his exit.
The second was a picture of himself in the TARDIS, with the caption: "Monsters, goblins, gods, human-eating Slugs, invisible brain-altering creatures, evil barbers, conspiracy theorists… you've had quite a busy two years. Well done and rest up son.
"@bbcdoctorwho @disneydoctorwho @russelltdavies63 @bad_wolf_tv Thank you endlessly. XV."
In a statement released by the BBC, on his decision to leave, Gatwa 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.
'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.'
After Gatwa's exit, the 15th Doctor is seen regenerating into Billie Piper.
Piper, 42, first appeared in the series as the companion to the Ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston's Time Lord.
She stayed on and was the companion to the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant.
However, despite her introduction on the show, it has not been confirmed she is the 16th Doctor.
Some fans are also not convinced, with the end credits reading: "And introducing Billie Piper."
Many compared this to when Ncuti Gatwa was introduced as the 15th Doctor, when it read: "And introducing Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor."
Previous actors have also received similar credit introductions.
"Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor" "Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor" "And introducing Billie Piper" ...but NO "as The Doctor" I FIND THAT VERY SUS. pic.twitter.com/T90oh3kkMI
— Ben (He/Him) (@BenDW96) May 31, 2025
One said on X (formerly Twitter): "Billie Piper wasn't introduced as the Doctor, and this year was the 20th anniversary of Series 1... There's definitely more to this..."
Another said: "She's clearly not the Doctor but some Bad Wolf shenanigans."
Fueling speculation on her role in the show, Doctor Who TV simply says: "But just how and why she is back remains to be seen…"
Recommended reading:
Ncuti Gatwa regenerates and leaves Doctor Who as '16th Doctor' is revealed
Every actor that has played the role of The Doctor and where are they now
Doctor Who fans spot hint suggesting Billie Piper may not be the next Doctor
On her return, Piper said: '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.'
Shortly after the finale aired, the actress shared a post on Instagram holding a rose with the caption that read: 'A rose is a rose is a rose !!!'
If she is confirmed as The Doctor, Piper will be the second after Jody Whittaker's 13th Doctor.
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