Latest news with #Ncuti
Wales Online
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence on 'heartbreaking' exit after two series
Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence on 'heartbreaking' exit after two series Doctor Who viewers saw Ncuti Gatwa's final scenes as the Time Lord on Saturday night Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has spoken out about his decision to step down as the Doctor, having concluded his two-series stint on the BBC show. Ncuti's final scenes as the Doctor aired during the two-part season finale, which wrapped up on Saturday night (May 31). In the episode, the Doctor faced off against the villainous Rani (Archie Panjabi) in an epic battle to save the world, and made the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of a young girl. Addressing his departure, Ncuti stated: "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." Ncuti Gatwa has left Doctor Who after two series Ncuti continued: "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," reports Belfast Live. "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." He concluded: "I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor." The Sex Education star's tenure as the Time Lord began during the show's 60th anniversary celebrations in November 2023, marking a milestone with a unique bi-generation storyline. Throughout his adventures, Ncuti was joined by companions Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) as he travelled through time and space. Ncuti's Doctor regenerated on Saturday night His performance earned him numerous accolades, including a Best Actor award at the 2024 BAFTA Cymru Awards. He also received nominations for a BAFTA Scotland Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen, and Best Actor in a Drama Series at the 2025 Critics Choice Television Awards in the US. At the end of tonight's instalment, Ncuti's Doctor regenerated into Billie Piper, who first appeared in the Whoniverse as much-loved companion Rose Tyler back in 2005. Commenting on Billie's return, showrunner Russell T Davies stated: "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!" Billie added: "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." Billie Piper has returned to the Whoniverse After the finale aired, Doctor Who enthusiasts swiftly took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their sadness over Ncuti's departure, but were thrilled by Billie's comeback. A fan commented, "In 18 episodes, 15 has become one of my all time favourite Doctors and I can't even begin to put into words how heartbroken I am that he's gone. I'm genuinely so devastated by it, I've not stopped crying for about 45 minutes." Another shared, "I was beyond captivated by Ncuti and it meant the world to me for him to be The Doctor and so unapologetically himself. I'll miss him." Article continues below Regarding Billie's return, a third viewer exclaimed, "I'm actually here for this. I'm sorry to anyone who's not.. but this is MAD.. and I'm here for it, genuinely am here." Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Doctor Who is wasted on Disney – ditch it or it risks dying
After almost three years, two seasons, five specials, and a spin-off series I've realised one thing – Doctor Who cannot survive under Disney. When Russell T Davies and the BBC announced Doctor Who's global partnership with one of the world's biggest brands, I was initially filled with hope. It marked a new era for the show with a bigger budget than ever, the global stature I believed it deserved, and the chance to pull in new audiences to see what this silly British sci-fi show was all about – and why it has captured so many people's hearts. And yet, the result couldn't have been further from the truth. Jointly with the BBC, Disney Plus only greenlit 26 episodes of the show in total which the creative team decided to divide into three 60th anniversary specials with David Tennant, two Ncuti Gatwa festive specials, two eight-episode seasons and a (yet-to-be released) UNIT spin-off – The War Between the Land and the Sea. 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. By simply doing the maths, I was already concerned about the inevitably shortened seasons we were going to have. And the fact that three would already be filled with David Tennant's return, taking away from the size of Ncuti Gatwa's run. These worries soon turned into a reality. So far, our time with Ncuti has been stretched extremely thin, let alone any one-season-only companions (as we have had so far with Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday and Varada Sethu's Bellinda Chandra). Despite an impressive use of the budget to build immersive sets, goblin-themed musical numbers, and an array of vibrant costumes, I barely got to know Ruby Sunday. All before she was bidding adieu to the Tardis in what should have been a tear-jerking finale, but instead just left me baffled and wanting more. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video There was less time for simple scenes playing off Ncuti and Millie's chemistry and more time devoted to big scale theatrics. At least for me, the main appeal of the show is the relationship between the Doctor and their companion – with each carving their own mark into our hearts through their many adventures together. And when Belinda was introduced, with the promise of a fiery personality that would clash with the Doctor, I had hope anew. Unfortunately, the problem is clear and glaring. An eight-episode season, that also includes an epic two part finale, is simply not enough time to flesh out these characters and their dynamics. The stakes are completely gutted when you've only known Belinda (properly) for five episodes before pitting her against the season's big bad. The shortening of season lengths started in Jodie Whittaker's era, but there is a direct correlation between joining Disney+ and our biggest reduction of a regular season size yet down to snappy eight episodes – with just one annual special. The very fact we seem beholden to Disney Plus' decision on whether the show is being renewed means a huge shake-up in production timelines as well. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Instead of being able to receive guaranteed specials and a steady timeline for when each season will come out, we're all being forced to wait with bated breath. The show is unsustainable – and almost soulless – in this condensed, unpredictable format, especially when we still have Doctor-lite episodes like Lucky Day. Without that emotional core, it will be driven to a quiet end. And frankly, no amount of Disney budget makes up for what has been lost plot-wise, unless the money is redistributed to guarantee longer seasons at the cost of high-budget effects. And if I were to see a way forward with Disney Plus, this is what I would want to see done. Not a huge loss since the show still occasionally suffers from the same endearing CGI blunders as before (lest we forget Rogue's greenscreen cameo in Wish World). This can surely be done in the hands of just the BBC. Of course, it's delightful to see the show explore previously uncharted territory like the impressive special effects in Lux, likely only made possible with that sweet Mickey Mouse cash. But I would exchange 100 Luxes to have some goofy low-budget filler episodes to build the relationship between our Doctor and their companion. It could have resulted in a season that had the space to turn Belinda's scepticism into wonder without it feeling rushed or unnatural. It's why, when reports came from the Mirror that the show would continue with the BBC even if Disney didn't renew their deal, I couldn't help but do a mini-celebration. Far from despair, I think returning fully into the hands of the BBC with a steady budget alongside 12 or 13-episode seasons (plus specials) would be ideal. After all, this is not just on the shoulders of Disney. If it was to go back under BBC's sole creative jurisdiction, I would hope they could learn lessons from what went wrong with their time at Disney and course-correct. Especially since there was an era of the show when we were receiving full-length Doctor Who with multi-season companions in tandem with Torchwood (from 2006 to 2011) and Sarah Jane Adventures (2007 to 2011) to target multiple demographics at once. More Trending The expansive depth of the Doctor Who universe (clearly acknowledged in the Disney+ era as well, if the number of returning Classic Who villains is anything to go by) is what makes the show so rich for fans – and why we have trusted the BBC to have its best interests at heart for so long. Naturally, it would be brilliant to see Doctor Who continue to spread its global impact with an easy platform for audiences to access the show – but if it comes at the cost of what makes the series special, then is it really worth it? I hope that if the Disney+ deal is renewed then it goes forward with radical changes to the current format. View More » Otherwise, I'm ready to see the show go back to its BBC roots and given the time and space it deserves to flourish on screen – as it did once before. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Ashley Walters calls out BBC's Who Do You Think You Are for rejecting him after 'year of research' MORE: Robert Jenrick has a point but he has no business making it MORE: Sydney Sweeney's bathwater soap isn't the empowering move she thinks it is
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Doctor Who legends in surprise return to show as Ncuti Gatwa exits after just two series
DOCTOR Who legends are set to make a surprise return to the show - as Ncuti Gatwa exits after just two series. The BBC science fiction series is celebrating 20 years since being revived for a new generation. Advertisement 5 Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill are returning to the world of Doctor Who - with a twist Credit: BBC 5 The pair starred opposite Matt Smith in the 2010s Credit: PA:Press Association 5 It comes as Ncuti Gatwa is exiting after two series as the Doctor Credit: PA Former stars Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill will take a peek behind the scenes as part of a docu-series. The pair, who played Amy Pond and Rory Williams opposite Joining them will be Rounding out the line-up are current and former showrunners Steven Moffat, Chris Chibnall and Advertisement Read more on Doctor Who The episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed will land on Saturday June 7 at 6am on BBC iPlayer. Meanwhile, it will air on BBC One Wales and BBC Three later that day. Former Sex Education and Barbie star Ncuti, 32, took over as the Doctor in 2023. Earlier this month, The Sun revealed he BBC show after just two series - with the Time Lord's regeneration set to take place on May 31. Advertisement Most read in News TV The star's Fifteenth Doctor is reportedly set to have a "high-stakes showdown" in his latest season's finale The Reality War. It has been suggested that the BBC Doctor Who on pause. Ncuti Gatwa returns as Time Lord for Season 2 of Doctor Who Insiders believe Disney+, which has pumped millions into the production, may not renew its deal. A source said : "It's unlikely we will see who Ncuti regenerates into as the Beeb will keep options open. Advertisement " And if they do rest the show for years, it makes it virtually impossible to cast someone now.' Doctor Who airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 5 Ncuti was first joined by Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday Credit: PA 5 His latest companion as Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra Credit: BBC Advertisement 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)
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Two huge Doctor Who favourites return to BBC show amid Ncuti Gatwa 'axe' fears
Two Doctor Who favourites are returning to their roles on the hit BBC show amid fears the programme is in crisis following rumours Ncuti Gatwa was being 'axed' from the role Two Doctor Who stars are returning to the BBC show amid fears of a 'crisis'. There had been reports of Ncuti Gatwa being 'axed' from the BBC programme, something which was denied by the broadcaster. It has now been revealed that both Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill - who played Amy Pond and Rory Williams in the Matt Smith era of the show - will return for a special episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed. Steffan Powell will follow the journey of a string of previously announced Doctors, companions, and showrunners, including Ncuti Gatwa, David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, Varada Sethu, Billie Piper, Pearl Mackie, Mandip Gill, Steven Moffat, Chris Chibnall, and Russell T Davies as they discuss the secrets from behind the scenes. Former production designer Edward Thomas and costume designer Ray Holman are also on hand to discuss the exciting moments - both in front and behind the camera - that make the show what it is. A special hour-long episode of Doctor Who: Unleashed will air on Saturday June 7th at 6am on BBC iPlayer, and air on BBC One Wales and BBC Three later that day, a week after the season two finale of Doctor Who - The Reality War. There had been reports that Ncuti would be leaving the show after two series when he pulled out of announcing the UK's jury scores at the Eurovision Song Contest a few weeks back. A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror that Ncuti had not been 'axed' from the show. They said: "Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been 'axed' is pure fiction." As for whether the series will continue, the BBC explained: "As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs and any other claims are just pure speculation. The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes – and we still have an entire spin off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, to air. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines." Karen left the show in 2012, and at the time said of her departure: "I just can't believe it's real. I have just always thought in my head I am in the show until the final episode airs, so I thought I had loads of time. But now it is approaching. It is a really weird sensation because I can't wait to see the episode and can't wait for everyone else to see it – but I don't want it to air at the same time. "I was emotional for about two weeks filming the episode and I was crying at everything. Things that weren't even sad, anything would set me off. Everything was already bubbling under the surface. So in my final scene it is not even acting, it is real because I knew I had to leave in real life and I had to leave Matt and Arthur."
Metro
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Doctor Who has fixed a big mistake – but it might be too late
Doctor Who is in a tricky spot right now, and waving their sonic screwdriver around won't save them this time. You see, the Doctor's facing a far deadlier enemy than a devious Dalek or a soulless Cyberman; they've got to battle declining viewership. Yes, sadly, while the reviews for the latest season have been more glowing than a regenerating Time Lord, the show isn't pulling in the viewers like it once did. This new season just hasn't been a ratings hit, having pulled in an average viewership of 2.93 million people (that's including the recent Christmas special). Now, those figures might not seem too bad, but it's a far cry from a few years ago, when it would regularly bring in 4-6 million people. 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. So what's gone wrong? Well, as I've previously written, there are two main issues. The first is one of perception. People just don't think the new series is very good, and while there are a few reasons for that ( cough Space Babies cough ), I think it's fair to say it's a bit unfair. I know, Ncuti's had some clunkers – The Devil's Chord, Empire of Death, and Space Babies (of course) immediately spring to mind. Still, every Doctor has a stinky story or two, and for the most part, Ncuti's run has been solid. Were this the only problem, then I think Doctor Who might be able to regenerate from all the bad press, but the second problem is a little more existential. Honestly, the biggest problem is that people just don't watch TV like they used to, and in a world full of AAA TV shows, it's hard for Doctor Who to cut through. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video There's just so much content to watch and catch up on that if you don't make a splash, you're effectively dead in the water. Thankfully, the BBC seems to have finally realised there's a problem and is addressing the issue. It's been confirmed that next week's Season 15 finale isn't going to be unceremoniously dumped on iPlayer at 8am like other episodes. Instead, you're going to have to plonk your bum in front of the idiot's lantern (sorry, couldn't resist) at 7pm and watch it like we did in the good old days. To make things even more exciting, the BBC has also announced that the episode will be shown in UK cinemas. Now, you might not think that's thrilling, but as a fully paid-up TV nerd, it's music to my ears. Doctor Who, after all, should be one of the crown jewels in the BBC Saturday night schedule, along with Strictly. It's appointment viewing, not disposable streaming fodder. And I know that makes me sound pretentious, but you don't see HBO dropping The Last of Us early, do you? No. They make people wait because they know the value of their shows and that audiences will wait for them. By reducing Doctor Who to something to be streamed at your convenience, the BBC has unintentionally diminished the show's importance and prestige. It's the same thing that happened to Marvel movies and other Disney projects during the pandemic. They started releasing stuff on Premier Access, and diluted their brand's power as people started to see these shows and movies as 'just another thing on streaming'. More Trending After all, which of us hasn't seen something exclusive to streaming and thought, 'Oh, I must watch that,' then never got round to it because 'it's on streaming, it can wait.' I'm glad, then, to see Doctor Who restored to its pride of place on a Saturday night, and I just hope it's not too little, too late. Unfortunately, I think this may be a difficult genie to put back in the bottle, or to use a Doctor Who metaphor, tougher than getting a Dalek mutant back in its Mark 3 Travel Machine. View More » The reason I'm so cynical is that audiences are quick learners, and if they've learned that to think of Doctor Who as a streaming show, then it's going to be difficult (even for a Time Lord) to wind back the clock. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Extortionate train fares make it impossible to visit family – so I don't MORE: One bold but brilliant Doctor Who decision just saved the finale MORE: Celebrity Traitors star teases 'friendships went out the window' during filming
