Doctor Who fans think one iconic actor will replace Ncuti Gatwa in next series
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
Doctor Who fans are already speculating on who could step into the Tardis next after it was suggested Ncuti Gatwa may depart the beloved series after the current run. It had been rumoured the series could be cancelled if Disney pulls the plug on its co-production deal, but Russell T Davies has expressed his unwavering belief in the show's longevity.
The beloved sci-fi programme is set to take a break until at least 2027 for filming. But in a chat with Doctor Who Magazine, Davies optimistically stated: "I am confident. Doctor Who is forever, and the future is bright!".
As the show takes a pause next year, fans will instead be treated to the spin-off show The War Between the Land and the Sea, starring Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. But dedicated viewers are already guessing who they think could be in line for the leading role once Doctor Who returns for the 16th revived series.
When it first launched in the 1960s, and in its subsequent 20-year run before initially being cancelled, Doctor Who held a special place in viewers' hearts.
It made an explosive comeback in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston steering the Tardis, joined by Billie Piper playing his companion, Rose, who continued her journey with David Tennant's Doctor. Speculation is now rife that Piper could be regenerating as the show's protagonist.
(Image:)
With the internet abuzz over the unconfirmed rumours, eager fans have taken to social platforms to voice their predictions. One excited fan, posting on an undisclosed platform, exclaimed: "Billie Piper as the 16th doctor with Ncuti Gatwa as her companion @bbecdoctorwho put me in the writers room now."
On Reddit, Whovians have been buzzing with speculation about the next Time Lord, with one user posing the question: "If the rumours are true, and Billie Piper is the 16th Doctor, how would you feel?"
The discussion 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.
"Personally, I'd love to see Varada Sethu or Suranne Jones take on the role."
Another Redditor chimed in, adding: "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."
However, someone else disagreed: "Billie can act thought. I think her Doctor would be different from Rose plus she's 20 years older now." One commenter expressed resignation: "I wouldn't like it, but I wouldn't be surprised at this point."
Another said: "I'd probably watch it just because its Billie. She was why I started watching in the first place. Love that lady." Another one said: "I'd be delighted. I doubt very much that she will be though."
Another enthusiastic fan chimed in: "I would feel very good about it. Billie is a fantastic actress."
One has been left undecided about how they feel, and shared: "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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
22 minutes ago
- Daily Record
One of the most controversial films ever is free to stream on BBC iPlayer
The film quickly become one of the most talked about of the past decade, with viewers unable to decide if they loved it or hated it One of the most controversial films of the past decade, featuring an A-list cast, is about to become available to stream for free. Social media has transformed how audiences discover and engage with films. Once overlooked releases can now become viral hits overnight, thanks to the power of platforms like TikTok. The buzz around films used to come from trailers and critical reviews, now with social media, a well-timed edit or meme can launch a film back into the spotlight. For example, Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King had a slow start at the box office last year, but soared to a $722.6 million gross global after multiple TikTok memes gave it a second wind, Manchester Evening News reports. One film that demonstrates this better than any other is Emerald Fennell's Saltburn - and it's now coming to BBC iPlayer to stream for free this weekend. Released in November 2023, Saltburn follows the story of Barry Keoghan's character Oliver Quick, an awkward student at Oxford University who becomes obsessed with the much more popular and rich Felix Catton, portrayed by Jacob Elordi. Felix take's Oliver under his wing, initially feeling sorry for the seemingly shy lower class student. Eventually the pair hit it off, and Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer at his massive family estate, forgetting to tell him about his eccentric family whose way of life is far from normal, and completely intoxicating. Oliver quickly becomes obsessed with the world of wealth, eccentricity and hedonism, and things take a turn for the worse. The film shifts from a seemingly budding friendship, into a thriller full of twists and turns. There's a stacked cast including Oscar winning actress Rosemund Pike, Richard E Grant, known for his iconic turn in Withnail and I, Conversations With Friends' actress Alison Oliver, Gran Turismo's Archie Madekwe and Carey Mulligan. However, when the film premiered in cinemas it did not do as well as producers hoped. Saltburn grossed just $21.1 million in spite of its strong cast and gripping plot. After its release the film's critical consensus read: "Emerald Fennell's candy-coated and incisive Saltburn is a debauched jolt to the senses that will be invigorating for most." Saltburn's reputation then changed almost instantly when it was released on Amazon Prime Video, just weeks after it left cinemas. The film went on to become one of Prime's most-streamed films, receiving a 71 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. It also dominated social media for months, as viewers recreated scenes, provided theories and begged for a sequel. One review on Rotten Tomatoes reads: "Such an amazing performance from the entire cast, great cinematography and interesting storyline. This movie is entertaining and always makes me think." Another states: "Brilliantly artistic and woefully disturbing," as a third went on to say: "Interesting story with good character development. Keeps the viewers interested and curious throughout the film." A fourth fan claimed they'd think about this film forever, writing: "Still processing. Gonna think about it all the time. Very interesting movie and the cinematography is great."
Daily Mirror
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
'Phenomenal' psychological drama is now available to stream for free
Little Fires Everywhere has been described as a 'masterpiece' and has now become available to stream for free on Channel 4. Channel 4 viewers are in for a treat with the new addition to their streaming service, Little Fires Everywhere, which first graced screens in 2020 and was a hit on Prime Video before it departed last month. This gripping eight-part drama has already made waves on Disney+ since May and has now expanded its reach by joining Channel 4's offering. Adapted from Celeste Ng's acclaimed 2017 novel, Little Fires Everywhere delves into the complex lives of two contrasting suburban families at loggerheads. The official synopsis teases: "Little Fires Everywhere follows the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. "The story explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, the ferocious pull of motherhood – and the danger in believing that following the rules can avert disaster." A-list talent Reese Witherspoon takes on the role of Elena Richardson, while Kerry Washington breathes life into Mia Warren, the other pivotal maternal character, reports Surrey Live. Jesse Williams of Grey's Anatomy fame, along with Joshua Jackson, Anika Noni Rose, and Lexi Underwood, round out the stellar cast. Critics and audiences have lavished praise on the show, with Rotten Tomatoes reflecting an impressive 79 percent approval rating, leading some to proclaim Little Fires Everywhere as nothing short of a 'masterpiece'. One viewer couldn't contain their admiration, stating: "An absolute masterpiece. What a masterclass in writing, plot twists and character development. The whole cast was impeccable, an outstanding level of acting." Another person shared their thoughts, adding: "Couldn't stop watching. "Little Fires Everywhere" is a series that shows that life is about choices and secrets. Some are good and some are bad. It also makes you question if you are where you need/want to be in this world. Oh and it's also just a great drama well acted all the way around." Another fan commented: "Was very good and kept me guessing until the end." Meanwhile, a fellow enthusiast exclaimed: "PHENOMENAL!!! Please God, don't let this end after eight episodes." Kerry Washington discussed her experience on set with Digital Spy, revealing that she and Reese had motivated each other during filming. She explained: "When you see that transformation happen on Reese's face, I was not saying the things that you're hearing on screen. I was saying other things to try to help her drop into that moment." Little Fires Everywhere is available to stream now on Channel 4 and Disney+ in the UK.
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Georgia Tennant: 'The Pride flag feels heavier this June'
Georgia Tennant has always celebrated Pride with a bright array of rainbow flags in her home. However, the TV star admits the month is feeling 'heavier' than usual this year. The former Doctor Who actress, who's currently starring in the TV show The Horne Section, has become well-known among fans for her advocacy of the LGBT+ community alongside her husband, David Tennant. But in her opinion, the praise that they've received for their support is really the 'baseline'. 'Wouldn't it be lovely if that were the default position? I want to do as much as I possibly can, and it's lovely that people say nice things. But I'm also just like, please just let this be something that's everyone does,' she tells Metro. The Tennants have been vocal in their support of the trans community and their firm belief in allyship, with Georgia sharing snaps on Instagram of their family celebrating Pride Month. Georgia, 40, admits that this year in particular, the 'fight' that has been fought for years by the LGBT+ community is one that she can now feel in her home. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. 'The flags feel heavier, but not in a negative way. We've got a job to do, and I'm not prepared to let what is seemingly happening happen. That's not the world I want to live in. It's not the world that my kids are going to live in. And I don't think it's the world that most people want to live in, to be honest,' she says. 'Sometimes people who shout the loudest are more prominent, literally, because they're shouting the loudest. Maybe we all need to shout out a bit louder too.' The actor and producer is trying to make her work more meaningful and is mindful about how her projects may progress the LGBTQ+ community. 'I'm trying to commit to projects that I feel will be important for that community and that makes me happy too,' she explains. 'It's hard being a mother and going to work anyway. But if I'm going to work because I know that I'm making, ultimately, my children's lives and their future and the world that they're going to grow up into better, then that's fine.' David, 54, recently received praise for his dignified response to J.K Rowling calling out his beliefs as a trans ally. In 2024, he also told the then-Tory politician Kemi Badenoch to 'shut up' in his British LGBT Awards speech. This was in the wake of the Conservatives' pledge to change the 2010 Equality Act, which ruled the definitions of 'sex' and 'woman' refer to 'biological sex', meaning trans women with gender certificates can be barred from single-sex areas. While making the speech, David credited his wife Georgia as 'the real engine behind anything we do, stating: 'She educated me about empathy and understanding, and she has been a huge educator for me.' In addition to being an LGBT ally power couple, Georgia and David are also – of course – the ultimate duo in the Doctor Who universe. Georgia is not only married to the Tenth Doctor, but she is also the daughter of Peter Davison, who played the Fifth Doctor. In fact, in an odd twist of fate, she met her husband when she appeared as his character's daughter Jenny in an episode of Doctor Who titled The Doctor's Daughter in 2008. David recently returned to the series to play the Fourteenth Doctor, with Billie Piper possibly set to play the Sixteenth incarnation of the Time Lord. 'I think I'm the only one they haven't asked back at this point!' Georgia jokes. 'Listen, with Doctor Who, there are no rules, and therefore there are no limitations to what may or may not happen. Since I did that one episode years ago, I've been a fan.' Despite Georgia's own dad being one of the Doctors, she only started watching the show after she appeared in it herself. Since her husband David's second season, she's become a 'really big fan' and hasn't missed an episode. 'I feel much more a fan than I am a part of the world as an actor. So I'm very happy to stay, as a fan,' she states, before adding: 'I would obviously not say no to a job!' In her TV show The Horne Section, which has just returned for a second season, Georgia plays a character called Ash, a vape-puffing, wine-loving TV executive. While she initially felt as though the character was a 'reach' for her, she quickly found a way to relate to Ash, realising that she 'has no idea what she's doing and very much suffers from impostor syndrome, which is something I can relate to'. 'I decided I would play her like a sort of 14-year-old mean girl, because they're either crippled with insecurity, or they have breathtaking confidence that they have not earned,' she says. Despite portraying confidence with a disarming charm on-screen in both The Horne Section TV Show and in the pandemic series Staged – which saw her play a fictional version of herself – she admits that people are often surprised to find that she is socially awkward in real life. 'I think people think I'm much more of an extrovert than I am,' she says. 'So people will then meet me and they'll be like, 'Oh, you're much more socially awkward than I thought you were going to be.'' She adds that this discomfort can sometimes lead her to share too much. 'It's the awful thing of wanting to be so authentic that you overshare. I do start conversations like, 'Oh, I haven't underwire bra for 10 years.' They don't need to know that!' she says with a laugh. 'So it's a constant struggle of going, I want to be open, but then that's often misconstrued as confidence, when what it is, is social awkwardness and overcompensating for that.' Despite her self-proclaimed lack of confidence in some parts of life, Georgia can take full credit for one of her husband David's most recent roles, as she was the one who convinced him to join the cast of hit Disney Plus series Rivals. 'I don't think anything had ever hit me quite so confidently, but I just knew that this is what needed to be on TV,' she shares, confirming that she was the one who told him he had to be in the show. 'I just thought, 'Oh yeah, this is absolutely what you need to be doing.' And he did need some persuasion because he'd not read a Jilly Cooper book, but I've never given an opinion on something he needs to do before. It's the first time I've ever done it that I said, 'You have to do this'. More Trending 'So I think he thought, 'Well, she's never said this in 17 years. I should probably listen to her.' I knew people would love it. I thought, 'You need to be part of this. If this is on the TV and you've said no, you're going to be kicking yourself.'' His character, Lord Tony Baddingham, is the villain of the show andone of the more hateful characters played by David in his long career. 'He does play a hateful character really well, though,' Georgia quips. The Alex Horne TV Show is available to stream on Channel 4. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Sir Stephen Fry turns on JK Rowling and claims she's been 'radicalised' MORE: Sponsorships cut, safe spaces lost: The quiet collapse of UK Prides MORE: It's 20 years since Doctor Who's best finale – but not for reasons you think
