Ncuti Gatwa shows off his very own Doctor Who doll despite claims he will leave the show amid falling ratings and 'woke' storylines

Daily Mail​

23-05-2025

Ncuti Gatwa smiled for a photo with his very own Doctor Who Barbie doll on Friday despite claims he could leave the Sci-Fi show amid falling ratings.
The BBC programme is said to have been paused for an extended break amid criticism about recent ' woke ' plots involving non-binary aliens, incels and even a pregnant male extra-terrestrial.
Brushing off the recent drama, the actor, 32, proudly held the miniature model of himself.
Barbie manufacturing company Mattel has released the figure to celebrate its first appearance at MCM London Comic Con.
Ncuti's Doctor Who figurine is dressed in a striped shirt, blue trousers and complete with a long leather jacket.
From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.
The BBC programme is said to have been paused for an extended break amid criticism about recent plots involving non-binary aliens , incels and even a pregnant male extra-terrestrial
Rumours of his departure from the show came after his sudden withdrawal from presenting the UK's Eurovision jury scores after Israel, represented by a October 7 survivor, made the final. Ncuti has been vocal in his support for Palestine.
A TV insider reportedly said: 'If the final nail wasn't already in the coffin, it was well and truly hammered in after that.
'Bosses were incredibly disappointed. Ncuti, as the Doctor, is one of the corporation's most high-profile faces'.
Doctor Who was watched by around 2.5milion - around 2million fewer people than the numbers watching when Jodie Whittaker, the previous Time Lord, was on the show until 2022.
But this is still a tiny fraction of the sort of interest it used to attract. At its peak it was watched by around 13million on a Saturday night in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
Last year he told his critics: 'Don't watch. Turn off the TV', adding: 'I feel like anyone that has a problem with someone who's not a straight white man playing this character, you're not really, truly a fan of the show'.
Some fans have lamented some of the programme's best loved villains being given 'woke' facelifts as well as the introduction of a pregnant male alien, for example.
Some fuming 'Whovians' were outraged at the introduction of transgender and non-binary characters who would lash out at those 'assuming their gender', as well as a deranged villain played by a drag queen.
Campaigners have accused bosses behind the BBC series of 'promoting the cult of gender ideology' in the latest episodes of the time-hopping romp, which is streamed globally thanks to a lucrative deal with Disney thought to be worth £100million.
The current Doctor Who is yet to comment on claims he may be leaving but the BBC has said: 'Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been 'axed' is pure fiction' and that no decision has been made.
Doctor Who's 'woke' characters at a glance
Rose Noble: The transgender daughter of Doctor companion, Donna Noble. She is imbued with Time Lord energy which supports her non-binary personality. She famously grilled David Tennant's Doctor for 'assuming' an alien's gender.
Maestro: A non-binary villain played by American drag queen, Jinkx Monsoon. She uses music and singing as a power.
Yoss: A pregnant man from the alien species known as the Gifftans. He reveals that unlike humans, both male and female Gifftans can give birth.
The Doctor: David Tennant's Doctor, in the 60th anniversary episode, hints at being homosexual after encountering an Isaac Newton of Indian heritage who he goes on to call 'hot'.
'As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs and any other claims are just pure speculation. The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes – and we still have an entire spin off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, to air. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.'
There was some anger as the announcement Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti had withdrawn from presenting Eurovision came moments after Israel's Yuval Raphael - a survivor of the October 7 attacks - qualified for the final with her song New Day Will Rise. She ended up finishing second to Austria last Saturday. Sophie Ellis-Bextor stepped in for him.
The TV source told The Sun: 'His withdrawal was incredibly embarrassing. It caps what has been a largely depressing tenure in the Tardis for Ncuti.'
Representatives for Ncuti, the BBC and Disney+ were contacted by MailOnline for comment.
Ncuti caused problems when he pulled out of Eurovision last week, when Israel made the final.
BBC bosses had Sophie Ellis-Bextor on stand-by to reveal the UK's jury results on last night's Eurovision song contest 'for some time' as they believed Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa would 'change his mind'.
Sources told the Mail on Sunday that executives were left 'cross' and 'exasperated' by the 32-year-old actor's last minute decision.
A statement issued by the BBC last Thursday said: 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend.'
Gatwa has been vocal in his support for Palestine, sharing photographs of Free Palestine graffiti in Italy on his Instagram and posting links to fundraisers for Palestinian causes.
Davos, the gaunt, disfigured creator of the Daleks, had been forced to use a wheelchair and mobile life-support system since his introduction to Doctor Who in 1975 but was given a 'woke' facelift when he reappeared in the show, able to walk
David Tennant's Doctor said to his companion that Isaac Newton, played by Nathaniel Curtis, pictured, 'was so hot'. He added in an apparent reference to his own sexuality: 'Oh, is that who I am now?' Ncuti's 15th Doctor said he is gay
After it was revealed he would be delivering the UK's points to BBC viewers, he was inundated with negative feedback on social media from fans.
One told Gatwa to 'read the room', while another said: 'I would usually be excited but I'm boycotting until Israel is given the same treatment as Russia.'
Ahead of the final, a source admitted that BBC producers had 'suspected that he would change his mind about the role' and that his stand-in, Sophie Ellis-Bextor had been 'in place for some time'.
Despite their anger, however, executives have attempted to play down the link between his decision to stand down and his pro-Palestinian views.
They claimed an announcement about his withdrawal was actually made on Radio 2 three minutes before Ms Raphael's place in the final with her song New Day Will Rise was confirmed, closely followed by a social media post five minutes later.
The BBC source said: 'The announcement was first made on BBC Radio 2 by Richie Anderson and Sara Cox three minutes before Israel qualified for the final. The statement was then issued on social media five minutes later, which was coincidentally two minutes after Israel qualified.'
The Scottish actor, 32, joined the cast of Doctor Who in 2023 for the 14th season after Jodie Whittaker - the first female Doctor - bowed out.
Fans of the show have also lamented some of the programme's best loved villains being given 'woke' facelifts.
It is said that Ncuti has already filmed his regeneration exit scene, with crews allegedly fearing that this could spell the end of the series after more than 60 years [Ncuti pictured in 2023]
The long-running sci-fi show has suffered a huge drop in ratings of late, with fans said to be fed up of the injection of woke storylines [Ncuti pictured with co-star Millie Gibson]
Davros, the gaunt, disfigured creator of the Daleks, had been forced to use a wheelchair and mobile life-support system since his introduction to Doctor Who in 1975.
But Russell T Davies apparently disliked the fact Davros was a 'wheelchair-user who is evil' and, when he returned in 2023, Davros appeared able-bodied and sporting a new, younger look.
But the changes, which many blame on a Disney deal, have left those who have previously worked on the show unimpressed.
Gatwa is also said to have grown increasingly frustrated by how the show is run - and is keen to move to Hollywood to pursue other opportunities.
A BBC spokeswoman said earlier this year 'Doctor Who has not been shelved'.
An insider said: 'Everything is now pointing in the direction of a prolonged break once the next series has aired. It will be back to the drawing boards for the Doctor Who team.'
The changing face of Doctor Who: Every actor who has played the Time Lord
1. William Hartnell - 1963 to 1966
William Hartnell played the iconic Time Lord in his first incarnation, as he crashed to Earth with his granddaughter Susan after being 'exiled' from their planet Gallifrey.
He was initially portrayed as a stubborn old man but a softer side was later shown to him in his compassion as a grandfather and towards his companions.
The initial appearance of the doctor was very different to the modern episodes, with black-and-white filming and shaky effects.
Hartnell's time as the Doctor also saw the first appearances of the Daleks and the Cybermen but years of travel took their toll on the aging Doctor and he collapsed in the TARDIS, leading to the second incarnation.
The First Doctor sadly suffered through ill health while filming, ultimately forcing him to retire from acting. He passed away in 1975, aged 67.
2. Patrick Troughton - 1966 to 1969
Patrick Troughton's Doctor was in stark contrast to his predecessor, and was outwardly scruffy and light-hearted.
In the second incarnation, fans met with new enemies such as the Great Intelligence and the Ice Warriors.
This time also saw the debut of classic series mainstay Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart (or the Brigadier), when he met the Doctor in the tunnels of the London Underground.
The Second Doctor's time came to an end when the TARDIS landed in the middle of a war-zone, created by a race of alien warlords.
He was able to defeat the plot but was forced to regenerate due to breaking laws of non-interference.
Troughton passed away in 1987 after suffering a fatal heart attack.
3. Jon Pertwee - 1970 to 1974
Many modern-day fans will also know Pertwee for his role in Worzel Gummidge and his Doctor was more prone to action that his predecessors.
After his exile to Earth was lifted, he and his companions travelled to all corners of the universe, along with meeting journalist Sarah Jane Smith.
This era also the first ever multi-Doctor crossover, as the Third Doctor met his two previous selves.
It saw the introduction of prehistoric villains The Silurians and The Autons, who appeared in the first episode of the 2005 reboot series.
Eventually Pertwee's Doctor regenerated following a nasty encounter with The Green Death.
Pertwee is sadly also no longer with us and passed away in 1996.
4. Tom Baker - 1974 to 1981
With his mass of curled hair and legendary striped scarf, Tom Baker was both the longest-serving Classic era Doctor and its most iconic, partly due to his partnership with Sarah Jane, played by the late Elizabeth Sladen.
Tom - now 84 - is also known to younger fans as the narrator for comedy sketch series Little Britain.
5. Peter Davison - 1981 to 1984
Peter's Doctor was dressed as a cricketer and his personality tended towards being indecisive - although he had a vulnerable side.
Even though popularity for the show dwindled through this era, the Doctor and his companion Adric (Matthew Waterhouse) are fondly remembered.
A heart-wrenching scene also saw the first major death of the series, when Adric died trying to stop a space freighter from crashing into prehistoric Earth.
6. Colin Baker - 1984 to 1986
Colin Baker's time as the sharp-tongued Doctor was a turbulent period, with the actor's early dismissal as ratings plummeted leading to a slightly awkward regeneration scene.
After the TARDIS was attacked by villainous Time Lady scientist The Rani, the Sixth Doctor was left injured and regenerated, though his death was never played out on-screen.
In addition, the Doctor was never reunited with his companion Peri (Nicola Bryant).
7. Sylvester McCoy - 1987 to 1989
The Doctor headed into his seventh incarnation with his signature cane and punctuation-printed vest while, as now-EastEnders star Bonnie Langford took on the role of dizzy companion Mel Bush.
However McCoy's tenure in the TARDIS came to an abrupt end when BBC axed the show in 1989.
8. Paul McGann - 1996 and 2013
After a near-decade off-screen Doctor Who was brought back as a TV movie in an American co-production, with Paul McGann taking on the leading role.
This film saw The Master (played here by Eric Roberts) trying to steal the Doctor's remaining lives by opening the Eye of Harmony the TARDIS, which nearly destroyed the Earth.
Luckily, the Doctor and his companion Dr Grace Holloway (Daphne Ashbrook) prevent the Earth's destruction, leading the Master is sucked into the Eye.
It was in this film that fans saw their first glimpse at what a romance between the Doctor and his companion could look like, as they shared a firework-lit kiss in the closing scenes which infuriated fans at the time.
9. Christopher Eccleston - 2005
The series was an instant hit as Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) teamed up with Eccleston's version of The Doctor, this time a leather jacket-clad man with a Northern accent because 'lots of planets have a North!'
A drastic change for the series at this point was the absence of Gallifrey, which had been destroyed - off-screen - in a Time War with the Daleks.
The Daleks took centre stage in this new series with a scary gold exterior, and an explosive finale saw thousands of the alien robots try to conquer a futuristic version of Earth under the leadership of their Emperor.
Sadly Eccleston's tenure in the TARDIS was brief - largely due to reports of disagreements behind the scenes - but his regeneration proved epic, kissing Rose to absorb the TARDIS vortex and save her life.
10. David Tennant - 2005 to 2010
Ask most Doctor Who fans, and they would predominantly name David Tennant as their favourite Doctor and fans became invested in his feelings for Rose Tyler.
It was also the birth of his famous partnership with Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) which saw hilarious banter between 10 and companion.
Ten's exit also saw Russell T Davies step down as showrunner and his closing scenes saw the fan-favourite alone in the TARDIS saying 'I don't want to go' before bursting into regeneration, with viewers of more than 11 million struggling to hold back their tears.
11. Matt Smith - 2010 to 2013
Matt, 27, made for the youngest-ever Doctor as he had big shoes to fill, while Stephen Moffatt took on the reins of show-running.
Known as the 'raggedy Doctor', fears were soon gone as Eleven's sprightly nature and signature bow tie won over fans in a heartbeat alongside companion Amelia Pond.
He stepped down after four years after saying it was long enough in the role.
12. Peter Capaldi - 2013 to 2017
Fans felt the show headed back to its classic roots during Twelve's era as Scottish actor Peter took on the role.
The character was capricious and spiky but became more compassionate over time.
Fans grew to love the friendship between the older Doctor and his companion Clara (Jenna Coleman) while the show's first ever gay companion was introduced in the form of Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie)
13. Jodie Whittaker - 2017 to 2022
Jodie Whittaker took on the then-controversial role of the first-ever female Doctor.
The actress, 41, has portrayed the eponymous Time Lord on-screen for four years, and bowed out of the sci-fi series in her last episode in October 2022. However, the role and the show's script were criticised throughout her tenure.
Her departure featured in the episode The Power Of The Doctor, which even saw a brief return of David Tennant.
14. Ncuti Gatwa - 2023 to present
Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa is making history as the first-ever black actor to take on the role of the Doctor.
He will be taking on the iconic role from Christmas Day onwards after his first appearance in the 60th anniversary episode, in which the Doctor 'bi-generated', meaning there were two versions at the same time.
He is set to cross paths with new companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) for the first time.