'EastEnders in space' - Doctor Who fans react to Ncuti Gatwa's 'lazy' finale episode
'EastEnders in space' - Doctor Who fans react to Ncuti Gatwa's 'lazy' finale episode
Don't worry! It wasn't all negative reaction to the 14th Doctor's last hurrah
(Image: PA )
Doctor Who fans have given their verdict on the final instalment of Ncuti Gatwa's Time Lord journey in the Tardis. In the final scene of 'The Reality War' - which served as the finale of the revival's fifteenth series - departing actor Ncuti Gatwa bowed out as The Doctor and his character regenerated into Billie Piper.
The 42-year-old actress played Rose Tyler when the BBC show was revived by Russell T Davies in 2005 and appeared as the companion alongside Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant's iterations of the titular Time Lord, but on Saturday, May 31 it was confirmed at the end of the latest episode that she has now taken on the starring role.
With a strong fan following, the BBC series' latest episodes have had mixed reaction from enthusiasts and the finale was no different. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Retired teacher Steve Hatcher, 66, of Ashbourne in Derbyshire, who runs Whoovers – a Doctor Who fan club, told the PA news agency: 'The question in the mind was, is it going to be a regeneration to a new Doctor, which it was, or is it just going to be a regeneration to black and an uncertain future?
'So I'm very relieved that they've found a new Doctor and she's a brilliant actor and I'm sure that'll be terrific, so Doctor Who continues, I would say, on the basis of that, it was a terrific episode.'
James Ashway, 27, from Bristol, who helps run the Doctor Who Appreciation Society's magazine, said: 'It was an episode which threw the kitchen sink in terms of returning characters, Jodie Whittaker and obviously now Billie Piper as well as the new Doctor.
'I'm a bit speechless to be honest, there's quite a lot of stuff to take in, but I think it was an interesting episode which pivoted in the middle to tell two different stories, one wrapping up the end of that season and obviously telling Ncuti Gatwa's regeneration as well, so very enjoyable.'
However, Brendan Noble, 57, of Middlesbrough, a former English teacher who runs the Sense Sphere YouTube channel said:'I think we've just had what I would have called EastEnders in space. I am absolutely shocked, irritated, frustrated, people are contacting me now in absolute shock and horror at what's just happened.
'It's lazy writing, hodgepodge of exposition, escapism, nonsense, (Russell T Davies) was throwing every toy from the Doctor Who box at the telly, hoping that some of it would make sense in the way of entertaining you.'
Ncuti Gatwa regenerated into Billie Piper
(Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon/PA Wire )
Speaking about her shock return, Billie said: "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!"
The former 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl' star - who started her career as a teenage pop singer in the late 1990s - has now become the second woman to take on the role of The Doctor, following on from Jodie Whittaker's tenure from 2017 until 2022.
Meanwhile, 'Sex Education' actor Ncuti, 32, noted that he would "truly miss" being in the leading role of the sci-fi series but always knew that it would come to an end at some point.
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.
"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.
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"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."
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