Billie Piper returns to Doctor Who in major twist as she replaces Ncuti Gatwa
Billie Piper has replaced Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, with the character regenerating during the finale of science-fiction series Doctor Who.
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Daily Mirror
11 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Doctor Who star breaks silence on surprise exit after rumours of bitter BBC row
Ncuti Gatwa has left his role as the Doctor after just two years and Billie Piper is set to take over after his regeneration on the show's latest season finale Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has spoken out about his departure from the beloved sci-fi series. The actor, 32, who first gained widespread recognition in Netflix 's Sex Education, said an unexpected emotional farewell during the dramatic season finale on Saturday night. After two series flying through space and time to put the universe to rights in the TARDIS, Ncuti has officially stepped down from his role as the Time Lord. His successor has already been confirmed as Billie Piper, who previously played the Doctor's companion Rose Tyler in 2005. After speculation that this exit is happening as a result of a rift with the BBC, Ncuti has addressed his departure in a video, explaining that the demands of the role had taken a toll on him both physically and mentally. He shared: "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." He also took to social media to reflect on the wild journey his version of the Doctor had experienced over the last two years. Ncuti wrote: "'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. Thank you endlessly XV." In his farewell message, Ncuti also acknowledged how hard it is to say goodbye to the role, saying: "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." His comments come in the wake of online speculation that he had been suddenly dropped from the role. Some fans pointed out that Ncuti previously said he was preparing to film another season of Doctor Who, and questioned what prompted the change of plan. One posted online saying: "In October 2024, Ncuti Gatwa was on The Graham Norton Show saying he was going to be filming another series of DW [Doctor Who] next year. In June 2025, he officially leaves the show and regenerates. This was never the plan. What a shame." However, the BBC was quick to shut down those claims. A spokesperson said: "Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been 'axed' is pure fiction." Now Billie Piper is going to be the second woman ever to play the Time Lord, following Jodie Whittaker, who also made a surprise cameo in the finale.
BBC News
40 minutes ago
- BBC News
BBC Archive: Doctor Who: The Legend of Omega
As season two of Doctor Who draws to a close and the Doctor once again faces not just the Rani, but Omega too, BBC Archives takes a look back at the creation of the character of Omega and his previous encounters with the Doctor. "Omega? But that's impossible. Omega was destroyed." The Doctor (1973) Omega first appeared in the 1973 story The Three Doctors – the first multi-Doctor story in the Whoniverse. The character took a while to develop, as can be seen in these letters from Doctor Who script editor Terrence Dicks to story writers Bob Baker and Dave Martin. This first letter shows that the character of Omega (at this stage named 'Ohm') and the setting of the anti-matter universe he lives in were established early on in the story writing process. As plans for the story progressed, Terrence Dicks continued to correspond with writers Bob Baker and Dave Martin. He suggests that they could create three different aspects of Ohm "to match the three Doctors ", although "the most evil Ohm would finally gain the upper hand". By the time The Three Doctors was seen on screen Ohm had become Omega, the powerful temporal engineer of Time Lord mythology. No wonder the Rani would seek him out for her plans. "Without me, there would be no time travel" Omega (1973) The imposing figure of Omega was originally played by statuesque actor Stephen Thorne. Stephen had previously appeared in the Doctor Who story The Dæmons as the equally towering Azal. He was an actor known for his great voice as well as his height, and could be often heard on BBC radio in addition to his appearances on television. The character of Omega returned to Doctor Who in the 1983 story Arc of Infinity, now played by Ian Collier, where he still hoped to escape the anti-matter universe. In Arc of Infinity Omega tried to use Time Lord technology to give himself a new physical form, copying that of the Doctor, and so was briefly also played by Peter Davison. "Things could have been different. Power, and the greatness of Omega, could have been yours." Omega (1983) Omega returned to Doctor Who in The Reality War having become the god the Time Lord legends created. This time there was no mask wearing actor inside a suit, but the whole character was created by CGI. But the Doctor was still able to force him to remain trapped in the Underverse, maybe to meet again some day, because legends never really die.
Edinburgh Live
2 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa reveals the real reason behind 'unplanned' exit
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh actor, Ncuti Gatwa, has shared that he will be stepping down from his role as the Time Lord in the hit BBC show, Doctor Who. The Scottish-Rwandan actor is set to go down in history 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- retiring his sonic screwdriver after just two seasons, reports The Daily Record. Ncuti has said the reason he quit the popular show due to the physical and mental demands it requires, especially for the lead character. However, fans believe that his exit wasn't planned, despite what the Sex Education star has told the media. The 32-year-old has now been replaced by the 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. In the video, 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. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. 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.
