Latest news with #14thDoctor
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'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. Article continues below "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."
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside TV's biggest comebacks as Ryan Thomas makes huge Coronation Street return
The 40-year-old actor is returning to the ITV soap as Jason Grimshaw after nine years away, while Carole Anne Ford has also made her Doctor Who after 32 years - but they are not the only stars who reprised their roles after a long time away Ryan Thomas will be back on our screens in Corrie tonight as he returns to play Jason Grimshaw for the first time in nine years tonight. But that's nothing compared to the time some other stars have spent away from iconic roles - before getting back into character once more. On Saturday, Carole Ann Ford returned to Doctor Who 32 years after she was last seen on screen as the Time Lord's granddaughter, Susan Foreman. Ryan, 40, said he thought he'd never return to the soap but that 'it felt right' for co-star and close friend Sue Cleaver 's emotional exit. Sue will bow out as Jason's mother Eileen Grimshaw after more than 20 years in the role in upcoming episodes. Meanwhile Carole, AKA Susan Foreman, was the Doctor's very first companion, boarding the TARDIS alongside Hartnell's First Doctor, before departing the show in 1964. She claims was 'fan power' that brought her back, saying: 'I think fans have been saying, 'Where is she? What's happening other than her? Are we going to see her again?' On how the Doctor Who set compares to the rather more quaint version back in the 1960s, she adds, "This is like a universe of its own. It's stunning. I feel very honoured to be here." But they're not the only stars of TV and films who reprised their roles after a very long time away. Here are some of the others… David Tennant (The Doctor in Doctor Who) - 13 YEARS Tennant's run as the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010 is the stuff of sci-fi legend. With his skinny suits, wild hair, and "Allons-y!" catchphrase, he quickly became a fan favourite - so much so, that his departure in a tear-streaked Christmas special left the nation heartbroken. Fast forward to 2023, and Tennant - by then a huge star of stage and screen - stunned audiences by returning - not just for a cameo, but as the 14th Doctor, alongside Catherine Tate. It was a fan-pleasing twist for the 60th anniversary, mixing nostalgia with fresh Time Lord chaos. Tony Adams (Adam Chance in Crossroads) - 21 YEARS Tony Adams was a fan favourite in Crossroads as smooth-talking businessman Adam Chance, first appearing in the original run of the motel-set soap back in 1978. Known for his charm, affairs, and ever-changing fortunes, he stayed with the series until its 1981 cancellation, leaving behind a legacy of big collars and bigger drama. In a move that delighted loyal viewers, Adams returned to Crossroads in 2002 when ITV revived the show after more than two decades off air. Picking up where he left off, Adam Chance was once again stirring the pot in King's Oak, but was later killed off in a fire. Tony, now aged 84, went on to star in the West End stage version of Chitty Chatty Bang Bang as Grandpa Potts. Paul Bradley (Nigel Bates in EastEnders) - 26 YEARS Back in the '90s, Paul Bradley's Nigel Bates was the lovable oddball of Albert Square—soft-spoken, cardigan-clad, and endlessly unlucky in love. A single dad with a heart of gold, Nigel brought warmth and awkward charm to even the grittiest EastEnders storylines. When he left Walford in 1998 to start a new life with girlfriend Julie, fans were sad but glad to see the gentle soul get a happy ending. Paul went on to firmly establish another much-loved character, playing heart surgeon Elliot Hope in Holly City from 2005 to 2015. Then, in 2024, and after 26 years away, Nigel made an emotional return for Dot Cotton's funeral, thrilling fans with his brief return. David Hasselhoff (Michael Knight in Knight Rider) - 22 YEARS In the 1980s, David Hasselhoff was the epitome of cool as Michael Knight - the leather-jacketed crime fighter with a talking car. Knight Rider became a cult classic and turned The Hoff into a global icon. After the series ended in 1986, his career soared: he patrolled the beaches as Mitch Buchanan in Baywatch, starred in films like Dodgeball and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, and even became a chart-topping pop star in Germany. Hasselhoff returned to the driver's seat in 1991 for Knight Rider 2000, a futuristic TV movie sequel. Then, in 2008, he delighted fans once more with a cameo in NBC's short-lived Knight Rider reboot, which pulled in over 10 million viewers. He also lent his voice to KITT again for a video game. David Jason (Granville in Open All Hours) - 29 YEARS David Jason was the shy, long-suffering shop assistant Granville in Open All Hours, working under the tight-fisted Arkwright, played by Ronnie Barker. The show became a British sitcom classic during its original run from 1973 to 1985, with Jason's quiet charm and comic timing helping it win generations of fans. Nearly 30 years later, Jason returned to the corner shop in Still Open All Hours, this time as the owner - older, grumpier, and very much following in his uncle's penny-pinching footsteps. The reboot aired in 2014 and ran for six series. Sir Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek) - 26 YEARS Sir Patrick played Jean-Luc Picard, the commanding officer of the Federation starship USS Enterprise, in 178 episodes of the sci-fi television series between 1987 and 1994, and in four feature films. He went on to star in countless movies, TV dramas and stage shows, including Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise. But in 2020 the veteran actor boldly went back to where he had been before, reprising the role of Picard in Star Trek: Picard. Delighting fans with the news, he said: "When we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course. "It is an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions with him." Bonnie Langford (Mel Bush in Doctor Who) - 36 YEARS Bonnie Langford first joined Doctor Who in 1986 as Mel Bush, the bright and bubbly companion to the 6th and 7th Doctors. Known for her upbeat energy and iconic scream, she left the TARDIS in 1987, going on to forge a hugely successful stage and TV career, including a memorable stint in EastEnders and acclaimed turns in the West End. Three decades later, Bonnie surprised fans by stepping back into Mel's shoes for The Power of the Doctor in 2022, later explaining she was sent a script 'out of the blue' by Russell T Davies with an offer to return. And this year she made a second comeback, and is currently playing Mel again alongside Ncuti Gatwa's 15th Doctor in the new series.
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
David Tennant fiercely defends Ncuti Gatwa amid cruel Doctor Who 'backlash'
Ncuti Gatwa has been fiercely defended by former Doctor Who star David Tennant amidst the criticism that he and his fellow cast members have faced for their roles in the iconic series. Scots actor David, who played the role of the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010 and made a sensational return as the 14th Doctor in 2023, has been vocal in criticising internet trolls who have poked fun at the actors after him who have since acquired the esteemed BBC part. It's common for new actors stepping into the Time Lord's shoes to encounter doubts, and David himself was not exempt from initial scepticism before his portrayal of the Doctor indefinitely won viewer's hearts. However, his successors, particularly in this era of widespread social media influence, tend to endure more intense and relentless criticism. Speaking to The Guardian, David addressed rumours about him replacing Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti and reflected on his lasting impact as the Doctor. During the interview, he was asked if he feels an urge to defend those who followed him, especially Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti, from hostility, the Express reports. He stated: "These debates – and it's not even a debate, it's a small clutch of people shouting very loudly, amplified by certain elements of the press – are not reflective of what most people feel. Things become ludicrously disproportionate, and end up being unnecessarily cruel." This is not the first time the 54-year-old has voiced his concerns on significant matters. He has also openly supported the transgender community against recent hostile campaigns directed at them. He remarked: "That's what the trans debate seems to have become. Most people don't give a s***. I genuinely believe most people just want to let people be themselves. "All they're doing is making a tiny portion of society who have a really tough time anyway have an even tougher time." His co-star Ncuti, 32, was initially set to represent the UK as the Eurovision spokesperson but was substituted by Sophie Ellis-Bextor due to "due to unforeseen circumstances". The 2025 Eurovision finale was held in Basel in Switzerland and saw Austrian singer JJ, who sang Wasted Love take home the trophy. Ahead of Saturday night's Eurovision show, the sixth episode of Ncuti's second series as Doctor Who aired at 7pm on the BBC. In the run-up to this fresh series, Ncuti spoke to The Big Issue about how the show delves into current social debates. Expressing his views to the publication, he said: "Doctor Who works so well and has done for so many years because it is reflective of the problems we face in our time and potentially in our future. "That's part of what attracted me to the show in the first place. Russell (series creator Russell T Davies) is very politically and socially aware and has always infused the scripts with that. It is the nature of the show to be a soundboard to life around us. "Alongside the entertainment, we are tackling the big talking points in society. This show is a beacon of learning and exploration. "I'm really happy and proud to be part of a show that talks about these big issues. And it is done with such compassion to all parties."
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What we know about Doctor Who's future at the BBC
The BBC has been the home of Doctor Who ever since it first began airing in 1963, but the show's future has been put into question. Ncuti Gatwa portrays the 15th iteration of The Doctor, with the Time Lord embarking on new adventures after David Tennant's 14th Doctor regenerated at the end of the 60th Anniversary specials in 2023. The actor has delighted viewers with his upbeat, empathetic Doctor and he will soon return for his second full series in the role. In short, yes the series has not been "axed" as claimed by The Sun, the BBC has denied reports from the publication which claimed that the show would not return for a third series because of poor ratings. The Sun also claimed that Gatwa has "several Hollywood projects standing by for him" and so is poised to leave the BBC production as he doesn't want to be "tied down" by it. However a BBC spokesperson has refuted these claims. They told Yahoo UK: "This story is incorrect, Doctor Who has not been shelved. As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs. "The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes - and exactly half of those still have to transmit. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines." Therefore we can surmise that Doctor Who will return for season 2 in 2025, and it is expected that a Christmas special will also air during the festive season. However news on a third season with Gatwa will only be announced following the release of season 2. Yahoo has contacted Ncuti Gatwa's representatives for further comment. Disney+ has the exclusive rights to stream the BBC show in international territories, with the show's entire back catalogue, named the Whoniverse, also available. In the UK the show is available on BBC iPlayer, with the new deal meaning that new episodes are released on the streaming platform at midnight before it airs in the evening on BBC One. Speaking about the deal in 2023 Charlotte Moore, the BBC's Chief Content Officer, said they were "joining forces" with Disney to "elevate the show to even greater heights and reach new audiences so it's an extremely exciting time for fans in the UK and across the world." The deal between the BBC and Disney over Doctor Who, as explained above, gives the latter streaming rights to 26 new episodes alongside the back catalogue. 10 episodes have aired so far in Gatwa's era as The Doctor —including the Christmas specials— and there were also three episodes for the 60th Anniversary special. This leaves 13 episodes still to air with Disney+'s backing, as explained by the BBC. So if the Disney+ ends does that mean that Doctor Who is over? No, it doesn't. Disney+ don't own Doctor Who so regardless of whether the deal continues or not the BBC still retain the rights to the series and will be able to continue the show. What it would mean is that the BBC would not have the financial support of Disney, which Deadline previously reported was a £10m investment per episode. This could result in some changes to the show in terms of star power (guest cast or otherwise) and visual effects budget — but we don't know anything for sure. The aforementioned report from Deadline in July 2024 analysed whether the Disney deal had paid off for the BBC, with the publication reporting that the show's future with Disney was hanging in the balance. It was claimed that ratings were a disappointment for Gatwa's first full season, with overnight viewership down 1.5 million per episode compared to Jodie Whittaker's last outing as The Doctor. However, a BBC spokesperson told Deadline that overnight ratings weren't a concern anymore because the series is now readily available on BBC iPlayer, which had an impact. Thus it is unclear how viewership might have an effect on the Disney deal. Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, and series 2 of Ncuti Gatwa's era will premiere on BBC in the UK in 2025.
