Latest news with #DrWho
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Doctor Who's ‘woke, boring rubbish' storylines have caused staggering number of fans to turn off
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MORE than half of Brits who used to watch Doctor Who say they turned off because it had become 'woke, boring rubbish'. That is the result of an independent survey conducted as star Ncuti Gatwa exited the Tardis with a paltry 2.3 million viewers on Saturday. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 More than half of Brits who used to watch Doctor Who say they turned off because it had become 'woke, boring rubbish' Credit: BBC 5 Ncuti Gatwa exited the Tardis with a paltry 2.3 million viewers on Saturday Credit: PA 5 Billie Piper has made her triumphant comeback to the show as the new Doctor Credit: Unpixs 5 In a shock twist, he appeared to regenerate into the Doctor's former companion Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper — but many are not convinced she is the Time Lord's 16th incarnation. The Sun exclusively revealed last month that Ncuti, 32, would be leaving the role after two series — the shortest tenure of any actor in the role since Christopher Eccleston, who left the rebooted BBC show after one series in 2005. The survey quizzed 2,135 adults and found 42 per cent of current and former viewers said it had got worse since its relaunch two decades ago, with stories increasingly preachy and worthy. Even one in three current viewers think it has got worse. Plotlines over the past three years have featured trans heroines, non-binary baddies and drag-queen villains — and the Doctor coming out as gay, and crying in most episodes. James Johnson of pollsters JL Partners said: 'This is the first ever major poll done on attitudes to Doctor Who and the results are bleak. 'The public believe a once-great show has lost its way — and their biggest complaint is it puts pursuit of wokeness above entertainment value. 'The main words associated with it are rubbish, boring, and woke. 'If the BBC want to grow the show's audience once more, they will need a total revamp. 'And to get back to telling entertaining stories rather than preaching lessons that simply do not have an audience among the British public.' Dr Who gone Woke The poll found 46 per cent of current viewers think it puts social justice and woke issues above quality, compared with 37 per cent who believe the show puts quality first. Those who have stopped watching say it puts social justice and woke issues first by a ratio of three to one. The average age of current viewers is 42, compared with 51 for ex-fans. They are also heavily Labour voters compared to a more politically diverse former audience. The wokery ratcheted up after Doctor Who was taken over for a second time by showrunner Russell T Davies in 2023. He was the man who rebooted the show in 2005 with Eccleston, followed by David Tennant. 5 The show in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston, followed by David Tennant Credit: BBC 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) A respectable 5.1 million tuned in to see his 'comeback episode' with David returning to play the Doctor for a second time in 2023. The actor then handed over to Ncuti who had his first full series as the Fifteenth Doctor last year. One Whovian writing on X/Twitter, said: 'Thanks to RTD (Russell T Davies) Ncuti is tainted and '15' will be remembered as the worst Doctor with the worst era in the history of Doctor Who.' The Sun revealed BBC bosses were considering a hiatus for the show, though execs maintained they would not make a decision until the second series had aired. Russell T Davies teased a return on Saturday, saying: 'After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!' But that seems optimistic given their current multimillion-pound deal partnership with Disney+ is facing an uncertain future — and the viewing figures for one episode of the last series fell as low as 1.6 million. A spokeswoman for Doctor Who said: 'Doctor Who remains one of the biggest dramas on the BBC and is the most watched drama for under-35s, as well as being one of the most popular brands on BBC iPlayer. 'As we have previously stated, a decision on any future deal between the BBC and Disney+ regarding Doctor Who is yet to be made and any other claims are pure speculation.' WARNING: ALIENS AHEAD By Thomas Godfrey A THEATRE adaptation of sci-fi novel The War of the Worlds has been slapped with a woke warning — as it features Martians. The alien invaders, who try to destroy humanity in H.G. Wells' 1895 book, have been included in a list of potential triggers. The 3D immersive experience at central London's Hallmark Building also has warnings about violence. A spokeswoman said: 'The notices ensure transparency and inclusion.' But ex-Tory minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke said last night: 'They clearly think the public is stupid.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Doctor Who's ‘woke, boring rubbish' storylines have caused staggering number of fans to turn off
MORE than half of Brits who used to watch Doctor Who say they turned off because it had become 'woke, boring rubbish'. That is the result of an independent survey conducted as star Advertisement 5 More than half of Brits who used to watch Doctor Who say they turned off because it had become 'woke, boring rubbish' Credit: BBC 5 Ncuti Gatwa exited the Tardis with a paltry 2.3 million viewers on Saturday Credit: PA 5 Billie Piper has made her triumphant comeback to the show as the new Doctor Credit: Unpixs 5 In a shock twist, he appeared to regenerate into the Doctor's former companion Rose Tyler, played by The Sun exclusively revealed last month that The survey quizzed 2,135 adults and found 42 per cent of current and former viewers said it had got worse since its relaunch two decades ago, with stories increasingly preachy and worthy. Even one in three current viewers think it has got worse. Advertisement Read More on TV Plotlines over the past three years have featured trans heroines, non-binary baddies and drag-queen villains — and the Doctor coming out as gay, and crying in most episodes. James Johnson of pollsters JL Partners said: 'This is the first ever major poll done on attitudes to Doctor Who and the results are bleak. 'The public believe a once-great show has lost its way — and their biggest complaint is it puts pursuit of wokeness above entertainment value. 'The main words associated with it are rubbish, boring, and woke. Advertisement Most read in News TV 'If the BBC want to grow the show's audience once more, they will need a total revamp. 'And to get back to telling entertaining stories rather than preaching lessons that simply do not have an audience among the British public.' Dr Who gone Woke The poll found 46 per cent of current viewers think it puts social justice and woke issues above quality, compared with 37 per cent who believe the show puts quality first. Those who have stopped watching say it puts social justice and woke issues first by a ratio of three to one. Advertisement The average age of current viewers is 42, compared with 51 for ex-fans. They are also heavily Labour voters compared to a more politically diverse former audience. The wokery ratcheted up after Doctor Who was taken over for a second time by showrunner He was the man who rebooted the show in 2005 with Eccleston, followed by Advertisement 5 The show in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston, followed by David Tennant Credit: BBC 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) A respectable 5.1 million tuned in to see his 'comeback episode' with David returning to play the Doctor for a second time in 2023. The actor then handed over to Ncuti who had his first full series as the Fifteenth Doctor last year. One Whovian writing on X/Twitter, said: 'Thanks to RTD (Russell T Davies) Ncuti is tainted and '15' will be remembered as the worst Doctor with the worst era in the history of Doctor Who.' Advertisement The Sun revealed BBC bosses were considering a hiatus for the show, though execs maintained they would not make a decision until the second series had aired. Russell T Davies teased a return on Saturday, saying: 'After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!' But that seems optimistic given their current multimillion-pound deal partnership with Disney+ is facing an uncertain future — and the viewing figures for one episode of the last series fell as low as 1.6 million. A spokeswoman for Doctor Who said: 'Doctor Who remains one of the biggest dramas on the BBC and is the most watched drama for under-35s, as well as being one of the most popular brands on BBC iPlayer. Advertisement 'As we have previously stated, a decision on any future deal between the BBC and Disney+ regarding Doctor Who is yet to be made and any other claims are pure speculation.' WARNING: ALIENS AHEAD By Thomas Godfrey A THEATRE adaptation of sci-fi novel The War of the Worlds has been slapped with a woke warning — as it features Martians. The alien invaders, who try to destroy humanity in H.G. Wells' 1895 book, have been included in a list of potential triggers. The 3D immersive experience at central London's Hallmark Building also has warnings about violence. A spokeswoman said: 'The notices ensure transparency and inclusion.' But ex-Tory minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke said last night: 'They clearly think the public is stupid.' 7 Hints that Billie's no true Doc BILLIE Piper's arrival on Saturday as Ncuti Gatwa left was seen as a sign the show would continue. Known for playing past companion Rose Tyler, Billie appeared to debut as the 16th Doctor. But Whovians think she may not be the true Time Lord, meaning a big question mark hangs over the troubled show's future. TV Editor Rod McPhee looks at seven clues: NOT CREDITED AS THE DOCTOR: Every new Time Lord has been introduced as the Doctor in the end credits. In Saturday's episode, hers simply read: 'introducing Billie Piper'. RUSSELL T. DAVIES WON'T EVEN SAY: After the twist, Doctor Who's own showrunner said of Billie's return: 'Quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told.' BILLIE HINTED SHE'S STILL ROSE: Just after her return, Billie posted on Instagram a picture of herself holding a rose with the caption: 'A rose is a rose is a rose.' TENNANT'S RETURN WAS CLEARER: When Jodie Whittaker regenerated into David Tennant in a similar twist, execs immediately confirmed he was the Doctor. ROSE IS LINKED TO THE TARDIS: Ncuti tapped into the Tardis before regenerating. Fans reckon it caused Rose to return, since she held the power of the Tardis in 2005. SHE STILL SEEMS TO BE REGENERATING: Billie is still glowing when the episode ends, suggesting the transformation is incomplete and the true Doctor is yet to emerge. THE BBC DON'T CALL HER THE DOCTOR: The corporation avoids calling her the Doctor in a news item released soon after the episode.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gavin & Stacey star on Doctor Who's 'disgraceful' regeneration
Gavin & Stacey star on Doctor Who's 'disgraceful' regeneration Many have shared their thoughts on the regeneration, including Doctor Who fan and actor Robert Wilfort The series finale of Doctor Who saw Ncuti Gatwa regenerate into Billie Piper (Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon/PA Wire ) Gavin & Stacey star Robert Wilfort has jokingly described Doctor Who's regeneration as "disgraceful". On his Instagram story, the Welsh actor, fondly known as Stacey's brother Jason West in the beloved BBC sitcom, shared his thoughts on the recent regeneration. Fans tuned in to the special episode on Saturday evening, May 30, to see Ncuti Gatwa regenerate into Billie Piper in the series finale of Doctor Who. Gatwa had played the iconic character for two series with Piper having previous played the Doctor's assistant, Rose Tyler, between 2005 and 2006 before making guest appearances in 2008 and 2010. According to the BBC, fans would have to wait and see "just how and why [Billie Piper] is back". For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . And many have shared their thoughts on the regeneration, including Doctor Who fan, Robert Wilfort. On his Instagram story, he posted: "Once again I've had to endure Dr Who regenerating in to an actor that isn't me. Disgraceful". Robert Wilfort as Jason West in Gavin and Stacey (Image: BBC3 ) Article continues below In February this year, the actor told Doctor Who showrunner, fellow Welshman Russell T Davies, that it was time for a Welsh Doctor to step into the Tardis. As rumours were circulating that Ncuti Gatwa would be taking a step back from the role earlier this year, the Gavin & Stacey actor posted a photo of a blue telephone box to his Instagram. He said: "As new Dr Who rumours circulate I'd like to throw my hat in the ring. If you're listening Russell, it's time for a Welsh doctor." On his Instagram story, actor Robert Wilfort wrote: "Once again I've had to endure Dr Who regenerating in to an actor that isn't me. Disgraceful" (Image: Robert Wilfort / Instagram ) And many commenters were seemingly supportive of Robert's idea, with fellow Gavin & Stacey star and co-creator, James Corden, liking the post. But Wilfort and the rest of us will have to wait and see how Billie Piper's storyline will pan out in the series. Article continues below According to the BBC, the actress said the opportunity to "step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse".
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Doctor Who fans spots star's major hint that Billie Piper would return to show
Doctor Who fans went wild last night when Billie Piper was revealed as the new Doctor on the sci-fi series, which Billie starred in previously as companion, Rose Tyler Eagle-eyed Doctor Who fans reckon Billie Piper was always destined to return to the BBC series after she was dramatically revealed as the new Doctor last night. Whovians across the country were sent into a frenzy when the current Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, regenerated in Saturday's show, and Billie, who played companion Rose Tyler in the series from 2005 to 2006, appeared in his place. Billie, 42, said she 'couldn't refuse' the opportunity to step back into the Tardis after her epic casting in the titular role was revealed and now fans say they've spotted a huge clue that the actress would return. During an unearthed fan convention for the sci-fi series in America in 2021, former Dr Who star, Christopher Ecclestone gives his take on who should be the next Doctor. As the audience lets out a squeal of excitement, he declared: "I think the new Doctor should be Billie Piper actually." Posting the clip on X, several fans hinted that Billie was always going to return to the Doctor Who as one shared a meme of Christopher saying: 'Absolutely fantastic' with the caption: "Chris looking at the TV yesterday be like." Meanwhile, another fan replied: "Was probably his favourite episode of the show since he left." Chris, who starred as the ninth incantation of the Doctor in 2005, counted Billie's Rose among his companions. Revealing she couldn't turn down the opportunity to come back to the show, the actress, who also made cameo appearances in the series in 2008 and 2010, said: "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." Reacting to Billie's reveal in Saturday's show, self-confessed Whovian, Rylan Clarke, who popped up in Doctor Who two weeks ago, told fans he was probably going to 'regret' his emotional post, but shared - with tears streaming down his face - "I'll probably look back at this with real embarrassment, but I've just watched Doctor Who and I don't know what's just happened. Omg, it's unbelievable. What a turn out." Sharing the heartfelt message, showrunner, Russell T Davies, replied to the TV presenter, saying: "Love you Rylan" with a big red heart emoji. Billie replaces Ncuti Gatwa in the role, who said it had been honour to play the Doctor, which is one of TV's most coveted roles. In a statement released by the BBC, 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. "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. "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."
Daily Mirror
3 days 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.
