Doctor Who's Billie Piper issues cryptic eight-word statement after finale twist
In a stunning twist in Saturday night's finale, fans were left reeling as Ncuti departed from his role as the enigmatic Time Lord.
The gripping two-part season climax featured the Doctor's confrontation with the cunning Rani amidst a moral quandary to save a child, ending in the Doctor's heartfelt departure to Belinda Chandra, portrayed by Varada Sethu, with the poignant words: "I hope you'll see me again, but not like this."
In an unforeseen turn of events, Billie emerged, post-regeneration, throwing into question whether she will indeed be the new face of the Doctor henceforth.
Interestingly, the closing credits introduced Billie Piper without confirming her as the next Doctor, leaving viewers eagerly speculating with the caption 'Introducing Billie Piper'.
Billie is no stranger to the Whoniverse, having played Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor back in 2005.
With Jodie Whittaker leading the way as the first female incarnation of the Time Lord, Billie could potentially be the next woman to step into the Doctor's shoes, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Following the broadcast, Billie shared her affection for the series in a statement, which read: "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."
Following the latest Doctor Who episode, Billie also took to Instagram with a cryptic eight-word post that read: "A rose is a rose is a rose!!!" This was written alongside throwback snaps from her time as Rose Tyler, the Doctor's companion.
The BBC shared a heartfelt statement from Ncuti Gatwa, expressing his sentiments on leaving the iconic role as he 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."
He continued, reflecting on his tenure as the Doctor: "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."
Ncuti also acknowledged the inevitable departure, adding: "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."
Concluding his statement, he expressed his lasting connection to the series, saying: "I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor."
Russell T Davies, the Doctor Who showrunner, paid tribute to Ncuti's performance, praising: "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."
Doctor Who is available to catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
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