Ncuti Gatwa makes shock exit after two series as Doctor Who fan theory confirmed
Ncuti Gatwa has bowed out of Doctor Who after only two series – regenerating into Billie Piper.
As the BBC sci-fi drama returned for the second part of its series finale, all of reality was at stake.
And, with the Doctor battling two Ranis (Anita Dobson and Archie Panjabi) and an ancient beast known as The Omega, he had his work cut out in restoring the world as we know it.
With rumours spiralling that showrunner Russell T Davies had a surprise regeneration planned, viewers eagerly tuned in to see the outcome of the Reality War.
These rumours turned out to be true as, in the episode's closing moments,the Doctor bid farewell to companion Belinda Chandra, before heading back to his TARDIS for a private regeneration.
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And, as he did so, the identity of the sixteenth doctor was apparently confirmed – Billie Piper, who previously played iconic companion Rose Tyler.
As Ncuti's face faded out, it was replaced with that of a surprised-looking Billie. More Trending
She began to smile as she addressed the camera, quipping 'oh, hello,' as the end credits rolled.
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It remains to be seen why or how the Doctor settled upon Rose's face as their sixteenth iteration.
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Scroll down to find out what Ncuti had to say about his Doctor Who departure moving on Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence on Doctor Who exit after Billie Piper is confirmed as replacement Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NCUTI Gatwa has broken his silence on exiting Doctor Who - after Billie Piper was confirmed as his replacement. Viewers watched the Fifteenth Doctor regenerate into a new character played by former Doctor Who star Billie. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Ncuti Gatwa bowed out as Doctor Who's Fifteenth Doctor Credit: PA 3 Viewers were stunned by Billie Piper's shock reappearance Credit: PA 3 Ncuti addressed leaving the BBC show after two series as the Doctor Credit: PA Speaking in a behind-the-scenes video, the 32-year-old explained his reasons for leaving the BBC show. Ncuti 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." The star also shared a poignant message to Doctor Who's fans on Instagram. He penned: "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." One fan commented: "I could have easily watched 20 seasons with you as the Doctor!" While another shared: "You were a phenomenal Doctor, who truly showed the emotional side that no one could ever portray. Thank you Ncuti." His replacement, Billie, previously played companion Rose Tyler on and off from 2005 to 2010. Billie Piper announced as new Doctor Who as she replaces Ncuti Gatwa in BBC series Fans were left stunned by her shock comeback in the BBC programme's latest episode - although it's unclear if it will be a permanent move. Upon the regeneration, Billie's character mumbled a quick "Oh Hello!" and smiled before the series ended. She said of her return: "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." Last month, The Sun revealed Ncuti's departure from Doctor Who after just two series. He was first announced as the Doctor in 2022, taking over from Jodie Whittaker. Who has starred in Doctor Who? Which actors have portrayed the famous Time Lord over the years? First Doctor: William Hartnell (1963 - 1966) Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton (1966 - 1969) Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee (1970 - 1974) Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker (1974 - 1981) Fifth Doctor: Peter Davidson (1982 - 1984) Sixth Doctor: Colin Baker (1984 - 1986) Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy (1987 - 1989) Eighth Doctor: Paul McGann (1996) Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston (2005) Tenth Doctor: David Tennant (2005 - 2010) 11th Doctor: Matt Smith (2010 - 2013) 12th Doctor: Peter Capaldi (2014 - 2017) 13th Doctor: Jodie Whittaker (2018 - 2022) 14th Doctor: David Tennant (2023) 15th Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa (2023 - present)
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