Latest news with #Ncuti
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ncuti Gatwa explains decision to pull out of Eurovision as he takes swipe at BBC
Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa has addressed pulling out of his role as the spokesperson for the UK jury at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 following speculation about the decision Former Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has spoken about pulling out of the Eurovision Song Contest. He was due to represent the UK 's jury but then just days before the final in May the BBC announced that he would no longer appear. Ncuti, 32, was named the spokesperson for the jury on May 2, ahead of the contest in Switzerland that month. Less than two weeks later though, it was announced that Sophie Ellis Bextor would provide the jury's results instead. The BBC shared the news on May 15, the same night as the second semi-final. It said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately [Ncuti] is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend." Following the news, there was speculation that Ncuti had dropped out of the role due to Israel 's continued participation in the contest, with it noted at the time that he's been vocal in his support for Palestine. The BBC had announced his departure shortly after Israel qualified for the grand final in the second semi-final. The actor was asked about his decision whilst a guest on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg yesterday. Ncuti and co-star Edward Bluemel appeared to promote their West End play Born With Teeth, which opens in London next month. Ncuti, who also spoke about his departure from Doctor Who on the BBC talk show over the weekend, was asked by presenter Laura Kuenssberg, 48: "Lots of people were really excited to see you at Eurovision and then at the last minute you decided not to go ahead with it. Can I ask why you did that?" Laura continued: "Was that because of some of the strains that you'd been under? You didn't wanna be on such a big platform or what was it about?" Ncuti said that he had been "busy" with his career and told the host that he had pulled out of his Eurovision role "long before" it was announced on May 15. He then questioned why it was announced by the BBC when it was. Addressing the question, Ncuti said: "That one ... it all panned out very interestingly. I pulled out of it a long time before it was announced. And it was announced when it was announced. I don't know why. But I was just very busy." He continued by telling Laura: "Just had a lot of work scheduled." He explained during the interview yesterday: "A lot of press around [my upcoming film] the Roses, around Doctor [Who], around ... yeah, there was just a lot of press." Laura added: "There was some speculation that ... because there was controversy about Israel being a part of the competition ... and there was speculation that that's why you had decided not to take part because you have before been one of many people who's expressed a lot of support for the Palestinians. Was that part of your reasoning?" Ncuti replied: "No, I was just very busy." He was then asked if he had watched Eurovision this year following his departure from his role as spokesperson. He told Laura: "I didn't, no." Ncuti concluded his answer by saying: "Was busy."
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence on exit and Eurovision controversy
Ncuti Gatwa has opened up on his decision to quit Doctor Who after two years and two series, as he also opened up on his decision not to represent the UK at Eurovision. Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa revealed the real reason for his exit from the long-running BBC series. He admitted it was because "I'm getting old and my body was tired". The 32-year-old Scots actor, who shot to fame as Eric Effiong in Netflix's Sex Education, embodied the role of the famous time lord across two series following his debut in a 60th anniversary special alongside the 10th and 14th versions of the Doctor, David Tennant. During his farewell episode as the 15th Doctor back in May earlier this year, he appeared to be replaced by former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper when his character underwent regeneration, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Speaking to the BBC 's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Ncuti explained: "I'm getting old, and my body was tired... and I've now just started doing some ballet, so I'm making really great decisions. "It's the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of and – because it's so good – it's strenuous. It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time." When questioned about a potential return to the programme, he playfully hinted: "Never say never," meaning fans could see him grace the small screen in the role in the future. Ncuti took on the Doctor role after Tennant's Time Lord underwent bi-generation in 2023, following his character's return to the series as the 14th Doctor. Elsewhere, he had been tipped to represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in May but withdrew, with rumours suggesting the move was linked to controversy over Israel's involvement in the competition. "It all panned out very interestingly. I pulled out of it a long time before it was announced," he revealed. "And it was announced when it was announced, I don't know why, but I was just very busy. "Just had a lot of work schedules, a lot of press around The Roses, around Doctor (Who)." When quizzed about the rumours regarding his exit, Ncuti, who didn't tune in to this year's contest, admitted: "I was just very busy." The actor graced the Sunday morning news programme to discuss the West End debut of Born With Teeth, an imaginative play that explores the dynamic between competing dramatists Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Taking on the role of Marlowe alongside his Sex Education co-star Edward Bluemel as Shakespeare, he will feature in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production at London's Wyndham's Theatre starting later this year in August. "It's a really great story between these two huge literary icons, and it's very exciting to imagine what could have happened in a room together," Ncuti remarked.
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ncuti Gatwa shares reason for quitting Doctor Who after just two years
Ncuti Gatwa has opened up about his decision to walk away from playing Doctor Who - having lasted just two seasons in the high profile role and after ratings bombed Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has insisted he quit his role as the Time Lord as he feels too old to keep playing the part. At 32, the Rwandan-Scottish actor is on the younger side of some of the stars who have played The Doctor. Christopher Eccleston was 41 when he took on the role in 2005, David Tennant was 34 when he took the part later that same year, and Peter Capaldi was 55 when he took over the role in 2013. Ncuti lasted just two seasons in the role, taking on the part of the Fifteenth Doctor in 2023 only to bow out in June this year in a shock twist. Fans were stunned to see him regenerate at the end of an episode, as his departure had not been previously announced. And jaws dropped even more when Billie Piper, who played Rose Tyler on the show on and off from 2005 until 2010, emerged in his place instead. But speaking to the BBC 's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme this weekend, Ncuti claimed his tired old early 30s body meant it was time for him to walk away from the Tardis. He told the political journalist: 'I'm getting old, and my body was tired… and I've now just started doing some ballet, so I'm making really great decisions. 'It's the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of and – because it's so good – it's strenuous. It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time.' Asked if he would ever return to the show, he teased: 'Never say never.' Fans were shocked when Ncuti departed the series this year. The show had attracted fierce criticism over politically charged storylines, and ratings had tanked since the actor took over the role. The BBC had signed a lucrative deal with Disney to co-fund the long-running series, only for viewers to switch off despite the cash injection. After his shock exit, Ncuti issued a statement declaring his love for the franchise. He said in June: '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.' Meanwhile, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, said: 'What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti's great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights. '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!' It is unclear if or when Doctor Who will return following the disastrous most recent run of episodes. Fans fear the series could be axed completely after new episodes underperformed - while some rumours have suggested the show could be put on ice until 2027.
Metro
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Ncuti Gatwa teases Doctor Who return but admits show 'took a lot out of him'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Fans have been in shock since Ncuti Gatwa's exit from the long-running BBC series Doctor Who, but regenerating doesn't mean it's the end. The (baffling) choice to have the Sex Education star transform into Billie Piper was met with a mixed response, including 'nostalgia bait' accusations. Many expressed wishes that Ncuti, 32, had been able to stay for longer and now, while speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he has given a glimmer of hope. 'Never say never,' he teased when asked if he would ever return, grinning wider and wider as the question hung in the air. Laura suggested that was a disguised yes 'with the right script', prompting laughter from the Barbie star. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Ncuti's 14th Doctor regenerated in May, marking the end of his tenure, which began with a historic 60-year anniversary episode alongside David Tennant. When asked why he walked away after just two (short) seasons, Ncuti explained: 'Because I'm getting old. My body was tired.' This prompted scoffs from the BBC reporter but the star continued: 'It's the most amazing job in the world. It's a job that any actor would dream of and because it's so good it's strenuous. 'It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally. So, it was time.' The finale was met with a lot of controversy as fans complained about the treatment of the Doctor's companions. A number of fans aren't happy with how Belinda (Varada Sethu) was treated with some going so far as to say her character was 'butchered'. The episode saw her entire life rewritten 'without her consent', landing her with a child and a husband at the end, which was never part of her plot in the lead up. Other complaints included the 'confusing' plot surrounding Classic Who villain The Rani and Omega as well as the Billie Piper return. Billie, 42, is not thought to be an iteration of The Doctor but previously played companion Rose Tyler during Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant's original runs. While disgruntled fans voice their opinions and optimistic theories, Ncuti has launched himself into other projects, including ballet and life on the stage. Ncuti has (temporarily) moved away from television and just completed a successful run in the National Theatre's Importance of Being Earnest. He is now performing in West End play Born With Teeth, a reimagining of the rivalry between Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. More Trending In the play, he reunites with Sex Education co-star Edward Bluemel, 32, who recently appeared in the axed show My Lady Jane as well as Killing Eve. In the chat with Laura, Ncuti said he was 'very busy' of late, which had also prompted his decision to step down from his involvement with Eurovision. 'It all panned out very interestingly,' he shared. 'I pulled out of it a long time before it was announced. 'And it was announced when it was announced, I don't know why, but I was just very busy. I just had a lot of work schedules, a lot of press around The Roses, around the Doctor.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: This is the darkest scene in Doctor Who history and it's not even close MORE: It's been 16 years since the most 'disturbing' Doctor Who story ever MORE: LGBT+ ally Georgia Tennant admits 'the Pride flag feels heavier this June'
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Doctor Who animated series coming to CBeebies
Doctor Who animated series coming to CBeebies The TARDIS will be landing on the pre-school channel The BBC has announced a new Doctor Who animation for CBeebies. The TARDIS will be landing on the pre-school channel and the BBC is searching for a production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main television series, which is overseen by showrunner Russell T. Davies. Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children's and Education, said: "Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor! "This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format. "This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK's animation industry." The Doctor Who animated series will run for 26 episodes across 2027 and 2028 and a further 26 episodes across 2028 and 2029. Article continues below The pitch for the animated series states that "the BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show, that will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends. And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way...". The deadline for initial submissions is 10 July 2025. The announcement of the new CBeebies animated series comes after Ncuti Gatwa left his role as the Fifteenth Doctor in the finale of the most recent series titled The Reality War. Viewers saw Ncuti's Time Lord regenerate into Billie Piper, who played companion Rose Tyler in Doctor Who for several years. It is not yet known if Billie is the Sixteenth Doctor or Rose or a different character. Following the surprise regeneration, Russell said: "What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti's great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights." Article continues below On 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, but who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see."
