Ncuti Gatwa reveals real reason behind Doctor Who exit as fans suspect it 'wasn't planned'
Doctor Who fans were left shocked during Saturday's night finale of the BBC show when Ncuti Gatwa left his role as the Doctor after just two series and regenerated into old fan favourite Billie Piper.
Doctor Who's star Ncuti Gatwa is set to go down in the beloved sci-fi shows' 62 year history for many reasons - one of them being as one of the few actors who served the shortest time in his role as the Doctor. After just two series of the iconic drama, the Scottish-Rwandan actor shared with fans that he was stepping down from his role as the Time Lord.
Ncuti cited the reason he quit was due to the physical and mental demands of the show, especially on his lead character, but fans believe his exit was not a planned one despite what the Sex Education star has told the media. The 32-year-old has now been replaced by the iconic Billie Piper, who previously starred in the BBC drama as Rose Tyler alongside former doctor Christopher Ecclestone, who only lasted one series. Piper also starred in the 2006 series with David Tennant.
Ncuti recorded a video explanation for his fans after his exit was aired in the Doctor Who season 15 finale on Saturday May 31. He said: "It's a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals.
"I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it's time."
However, die-hard fans believe there is another reason behind his exit, the Mirror reports.
Taking to X, one fan named Mr Tardis had clearly done their research as they wrote: "In October 2024, Ncuti Gatwa was on 'The Graham Norton Show' saying he was going to be filming another series of DW next year.
"In June 2025, he officially leaves the show and regenerates. This was never the plan. What a shame. He deserved so much better."
Another echoed: "In situations like that, they'll often shoot two different alternative scenes: one where the series continues, and one to finish things off.
"Ncuti may well have actually thought he'd be staying on back in October 2024, even after filming a regeneration scene just in case."
A third fan was left disappointed with the news of his exit as they wrote: "I am so f****g sad. its one thing to see your doctor regenerate because they chose to, another to see it happen because of behind the scenes s**t.
"I loved literally every episode this era. I've been defending it the whole time. this.. this kinda broke me."
Adding to his exit speech, 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.
He added: "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 former Doctor Who star continued: "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."
Meanwhile showrunner Russell T. Davies also expressed his sadness over Ncuti's decision to step down.
He expressed: "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."
He added: "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!"
A spokesperson for Doctor Who declined to comment.
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