Latest news with #DoctorWho
Express Tribune
35 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ncuti Gatwa exits Doctor Who as Billie Piper returns in unexpected regeneration twist
Ncuti Gatwa has exited Doctor Who in a surprising twist that concludes his brief tenure as the Time Lord. In the finale of Series 14, which aired Saturday, Gatwa's Doctor regenerates into a form portrayed by Billie Piper — best known for her role as companion Rose Tyler in the show's early revival seasons. The transformation introduces a new, unexplained version of Piper's character, prompting speculation about her future involvement. According to the BBC, the closing credits read: 'Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper.' Though this strongly hints at Piper's new incarnation as the Doctor, her role has not been officially confirmed. In a statement to the BBC, Piper said, 'It's no secret how much I love this show… 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.' Gatwa's departure, rumored ahead of Season 2's April premiere, comes amid declining ratings. He made history as the first openly queer Black actor to portray the Doctor, joining companions Millie Gibson and Varada Sethu under showrunner Russell T Davies. His exit marks one of the shortest stints in the show's history — just slightly longer than Christopher Eccleston's — and raises questions about the show's direction. Doctor Who was commissioned for two seasons on Disney+ and the BBC but has yet to be renewed. In April, Gatwa deflected questions about a third season, saying, 'It's very ironic that in a show about time travel, you can't talk about the future.' Outside the TARDIS, Gatwa continues a successful stage career. He recently starred in The Importance of Being Earnest at London's National Theatre and is set to headline Born With Teeth this summer. He's also filming The Roses, a dark comedy directed by Jay Roach and featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, and Andy Samberg.
Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Code of Silence cast: who is the guest star in episode 5?
Code of Silence will feature a big guest star in the latest episode 🚨 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Code of Silence surprises fans with a big guest star. Rose Ayling-Ellis leads the cast of the acclaimed drama. But who are the actors in episode five? ITV is set to surprise fans with a big guest star appearance in Code of Silence's latest episode. The familiar face will delight viewers and catch audiences off guard. Rose Ayling-Ellis leads the cast of the acclaimed thriller - about a deaf woman brought into a police investigation because of her lip-reading skills. The stakes are rising as the show nears its conclusion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But who else will appear in the latest episode of the ITV show? Here's all you need to know: Who is the guest star in Code of Silence this week? Rose Ayling-Ellis in Code of Silence episode five | Mammoth/ ITV Spoilers for Code of Silence episode five to follow. Don't read unless you want the surprise to be ruined. ITV is set to continue Code of Silence with episode five tonight (June 1). It will start at 9pm and will run for an hour, ending at 10pm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After lots of mentions of Alison's absent father so far in the series - we finally meet him in this episode. He is played by none other than John Bishop, yes that John Bishop. The stand-up comedian is no stranger to more dramatic roles having previously appeared in ITV's Fearless in 2017 - playing Steve Livesey. He also was Dan Lewis in series 13 of Doctor Who and in the 2022 specials as well. Rose Ayling-Ellis and John Bishop in Code of Silence | Mammoth/ ITV What to expect from Code of Silence tonight? The preview for episode five, via Radio Times , reads: 'Alison's feelings for Liam threaten to undermine the police's investigation, but after learning he has been using her to mislead the cops about the heist by hacking her hearing aids, she races to the gang's true target of the Hawthorne Estate Hotel. 'Meanwhile, the gang led by Braden executes their plan to steal the Joshi necklace using chaos and Liam's hacking to breach security, but a fatal shooting occurs.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who is in the cast of Code of Silence? Beyond the surprise guest appearance in episode five, the show has had a fairly consistent cast throughout its early episodes. As previously mentioned, Rose Ayling-Ellis takes on the lead role in this ITV show - but she is also joined by plenty of recognisable faces. The main cast includes: Rose Ayling-Ellis as Alison Brooks Charlotte Ritchie as DS Ashleigh Francis Andrew Buchan as DI James Marsh Kieron Moore as Liam Barlow Other actors set to appear in the show include Nathan Armarkwei Laryea, Joe Absolom, Beth Goddard, Andrew Scarborough, Fifi Garfield and Rolf Choutan. Where do you know Code of Silence cast from? Rose Ayling-Ellis was recently a guest star in the latest season of Doctor Who. She appeared in The Well - a surprise sequel to beloved classic Midnight - playing lone survivor Aliss. It has been a busy 2025, with Rose having also appeared in the BBC drama Reunion. But you may recognise her from the 19th series of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2021 which she won - as well as her role as Frankie Lewis in EastEnders. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kieron Moore was part of the cast for Apple TV's Masters of the Air in 2024. He also had a lead role in the streaming series Vampire Academy and appeared in Netflix's The Sandman. Viewers may recognise Charlotte Ritchie from the hit comedy series Ghosts, in which she played the lead role of Alison throughout the full show. She was also in Call the Midwife from 2015 to 2018 as Barbara Gilbert and also had a lead role in the final two seasons of Netflix's You. Andrew Buchan might feel like one of those faces you can't quite place - but he has had many roles on TV over the years. He played Mark Latimer in Broadchurch and was Wallace Webb in Netflix's Black Doves late last year. Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Billie Piper's life - popstar fame, wild age gap marriage and huge net worth
New Doctor Who Billie Piper has had an eventful and dramatic life off screen - including teen pop success followed by death threats and two controversial marriages It's fair to say Billie Piper has had a very rocky road to achieving stardom as a critically acclaimed actress, and her love life hasn't been easy either. But she's also amassed an impressive net worth and has welcomed three children. The 42-year-old, who hails from Swindon, first became famous almost thirty years ago - as a mid-teens pop sensation. She then reinvented herself as an actor, playing companion Rose Tyler to Christopher Eccleston's Doctor in the 2005 reboot of Doctor Who. Surprising critics and viewers with her screen talent, she continues to do so today. And now, 20 years later, she has shocked us again. In this series finale, Ncuti Gatwa's current Dr Who was regenerated to reveal Billie as the new doc. It's a stunning return to the series that first made her acting name. But off screen, Billie has endured some tough times. Here, the Mirror looks back at her life so far, from her difficult teenage years, popstar fame, turbulent romances and impressive net worth... School friends with Amy Wineh Billie's gifts were evident at a young age, and at 12 years old she made the move from Swindon to London to attend the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School. Aimed at nurturing future talent, the institution has produced many household names, but not all pupils had an easy time of it - including Billie's childhood friend Amy Winehouse. During a recent episode of Jessie Ware's Table Manners podcast, Billie offered some insight into what Amy was really like as a young girl. Remembering her as 'super clever, super bright', Billie revealed: "She was always cheeky. She was always like that, you know. She would do abstract stuff, and I really loved it." Sadly, Amy's differences didn't always go down well with her fellow pupils, and Billie remembers the iconic singer being badly bullied. She continued: "She got bullied quite a lot at school because she was doing her own thing, and she liked to push buttons, and do weird stuff. And I had a lot of space for that, but not many of the girls did. It wasn't the easiest ride." Teenage fame struggles Billie skyrocketed to pop stardom at the age of just 15 with her infectiously catchy 1998 anthem 'Because We Want To'. She became the youngest artist to debut at number one in the UK Chart with the hit, and singles 'Honey to The Bee' and 'Girlfriend' followed. Although many '90s teens would have been green with envy, topping the singles chart at such a young age came with its challenges. During a 2021 episode of Desert Island Discs, she recalled how strange it felt moving to her own flat before her 16th birthday, all while dealing with the surrealness of overnight fame. Speaking of her regrets, Billie told Lauren Laverne: "At the time, it felt really exciting and liberating and satisfied me with this quest to be a grown-up. It also felt extremely desperate and lonely sometimes. "I was seeing and experiencing a lot of life at a very young age. Now, when I look back at it now that I have my own children, it seems unbelievably unsafe and plays in unhealthily to my parenting." Death threats Billie also endured a horrific campaign of harassment in her younger years as a star. In 2001, a woman penned abuse-laden messages which she then read down the phone to Billie's record company, Blackfriars Crown Court was told in 2001. She called the teenage chart-topper a "whore" and warned of decapitation, dismemberment, burning, flogging and shooting. The abuse reportedly began because the woman thought the performer had given her a "dirty look" during a recording of a TV show, which she attended as an audience member. Boyband heartache Billie met Five singer Ritchie Neville when they were teenagers, having just been thrust into the spotlight with their respective pop careers. They were love's young dream until Ritchie broke Billie's heart when he cheated. Ritchie said he was full of "regret" over his betrayal with a Russian beauty while on tour in the country - who subsequently sold her story to a British newspaper in 2000. Speaking on the BBC documentary Boybands Forever he said: "It massively hurt somebody that I loved. I regret any pain I caused but equally I was 19 you know? I made a mistake. It ended a relationship." Wild age gap marriage Billie married her first husband, Chris Evans, in 2001 when she was just 18 years old, a mere five months after their first date. Given that Chris was 16 years her senior, the age gap romance raised eyebrows at the time, but Billie looks back on their time together as a period of fun and healing. Opening up with her former Doctor Who co-star on David Tennant Does A Podcast With..., Billie reflected: "I went and got completely hammered for three years with Chris Evans. So much fun - just living very hard. But with a lot of love and a big dose of curiosity and just, yeah - amazing time. "It's funny because everyone framed that period in my life as these sort of horribly debauched, irresponsible, me falling apart looking like s***, putting on weight. That was really important to me, that period of my life. I needed that. Me not looking perfect every day in a tabloid was the best way for me to heal. "Every time there would be a picture of me looking completely groomed and manicured within an inch of my life, I can tell you I was completely unhappy and starving and dark on the inside. And I haven't brushed my hair since!" She added: "We really had a really amazing time together. I imagine it's what your uni years feel like - sort of reckless, but you're learning a lot. It was an incredible time and, not to undermine our relationship because we also had a very loving relationship. It wasn't just 'oh, we're going out and getting f*****' - we had a very caring and loving relationship." Their whirlwind marriage came to an end in 2004, amid rumours of 'screaming rows', but Billie and Chris are said to remain close friends to this day. Kids and splits In 2006, Billie entered into a relationship with Lewis actor turned right-wing activist Laurence Fox, with the couple tying the knot one year later. They went on to welcome two sons, Winston and Eugene before calling time on their marriage in 2016. In a recent interview with British Vogue the mother-of-two said of her controversial ex: "I've had to make some choices and a divorce speaks for itself. Or at least it should." Laurence is often in the spotlight for his much-criticised views. In the interview, she added: "I close everything down and keep a very strict routine with the kids so that there's consistency. "I keep them close. That's all I can do. I try to keep people from telling me stuff but it's really, really hard. I don't read it but everyone wants to talk about it. Sometimes I have to say to people, 'Please don't bring this to me, now or ever'." She went on to have a relationship with former Tribes frontman Johnny Lloyd, and they welcomed their daughter, Tallulah, who they welcomed in 2019. After eight years together, they split in 2023, citing that their 'relationship ran its course'. In a candid chat aired on Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast in 2021, Billie spoke about the difficulties of juggling motherhood with a hectic career. Billie shared: "Striking a balance is unachievable and as soon as you let go and just accept that, there are useful changes... I cry at the end of every day and spend an hour in bed saying, 'I'll be better tomorrow, I swear. I'm going to read my parenting manual tonight and everything will be better tomorrow.'" In an open letter to Tallulah, published in Stylist, Billie reflected that she'd been so fearful of having a daughter, anguished by all she didn't want her to experience, that she didn't realise just how overjoyed she'd be by her arrival. She wrote: "You have restored – without knowing it – all my faith in strong female energy. I want to learn from you and revel in your beauty. You are not just female, you are other. And from listing all of my anxieties above (there are many and I promise to always work on myself), I'm at my most calm and able around you. You are powerful." Huge net worth After her time on Doctor Who in 2005, Billie picked up leading roles in Secret Diary of a Call Girl and I Hate Suzie, which she co-created alongside playwright Lucy Prebble, as well as starring in the Netflix drama, Scoop. Not to mention her glittering stage career - winning Best Theatre Actress for Great Britain in 2014 and being honoured with a Laurence Olivier Award among countless other accolades for her lead performance in Yerma in 2017. Following her impressive career, she has amassed an impressive net worth. The actress is estimated to have a net worth of $12 million (around £9 million), according to Celebrity Net Worth.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Dr Who: Finale shocks fans and here's why
WARNING: This article contains Doctor Who Gatwa has said goodbye to the Tardis as it's revealed he is stepping down as The Doctor after 18 months in the the series finale, the Doctor regenerated into a familiar face after making the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of a little the episode, the Doctor seemed to regenerate into Rose Tyler - an old companion to the ninth and tenth Doctors 20 years ago, who is played by actor Billie credit at the end of the programme said: "Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper".It's left the series on a cliffhanger as fans wonder how and why she's did you think of the episode? Let us know in the comments below! Ncuti Gatwa was announced as the 15th Doctor in May first appeared on our screens as part of the show's 60th anniversary celebrations in November was the first bi-generation which saw him split from the 14th Doctor, played by David 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."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." It's still unclear whether Billie Piper will be playing the 16th Doctor and become the third woman to play the role. In a statement she 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, but who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see."She first appeared on the show back in 2005 alongside Christopher Eccleston and then David Tennant as companion Rose Tyler. Doctor Who showrunner and head writer Russell T Davies said: "Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she's done it again!"It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the Tardis, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told."After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!"
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Britain's Got Talent receives its lowest EVER ratings as magician Harry Moulding is crowned champion - while Doctor Who gets a boost for THAT regeneration reveal
Britain's Got Talent received its lowest viewership in history on Saturday night as magician Harry Moulding was crowned champion after a mammoth 14-week series. The show had switched to airing weekly on Saturday nights for its 2025 run, and finally came to an end with Harry scooping £250,000 in prize money and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance. But Harry receiving praise from viewers for his 'incredible performance,' just 4.1 million viewers tuned into the live final, one million down on last year. While this did increase to a peak of 4.8 million, this is still down on the 5.2 million viewers who watched 2024's final. These numbers do not include viewers who streamed the final on ITVX, or caught up at a later time, so the final viewership will be likely to increase. 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. In contrast, Doctor Who received a huge boost from its much-anticipated finale, which saw Ncuti Gatwa bid farewell to the iconic role after just two series. According to overnight figures, the finale saw 2.2 million tune in live, making it the second most watched show of the day and second most watched episode of the series, behind the sixth episode, The Interstellar Song Contest. As he was unveiled as the BGT winner. Harry jumped up and down and screamed after hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly called his name. 'I can't believe what is going on,' he said. 'Thank you everyone so much, I genuinely feel like everyone has been behind me. This has been the most incredible journey.' He faced off against dance troupe The Blackouts in the final two, with the group remaining good spirits after his win, saying it was 'well deserved'. His routine began with a card trick where he correctly pulled out all the cards each of the judges had picked. In a pre-recorded video of himself sky-diving, he correctly predicted the cards each judge would select. The budding star received praise across the board from judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli following his act. Harry has now secured a life-changing £250,000 cash prize and a coveted place on the bill of the Royal Variety Performance. The magician performed the winning magic routine which the judges described as incredible. Elsewhere during the show, fill-in judge KSI and Tom Grennan performed while the public voted for their favourite act. Meanwhile, Doctor Who fans were left stunned when it was revealed that Billie Piper would be taking over the role of the titular time traveller. The actress is well-known to longtime Who fans, having previously played The Doctor's companion Rose Tyler, and The Moment interface in the show's 50th Anniversary Special. Billie will now be the second woman to take on the role as the Time Lord after Jodie Whittaker portrayed the 13th doctor. She replaces Ncuti, who leaves Doctor Who after two seasons in the science-fiction series. The actor's time on the long-running science fiction programme came to an end as The Reality War episode brought this season to a close on Saturday. The two-part season finale saw the Doctor face the Rani in a battle to save the world after making the decision to safe the life of one little girl. As he bid farewell to companion Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu, he said: 'I hope you'll see me again, but not like this.' The finale also saw Whittaker, the 13th doctor, make a guest appearance as Gatwa's Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes. In a statement released by the BBC, Ncuti Gatwa 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. '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.' Reacting to the news 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.'
