Latest news with #NinthDoctor
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Ex-companion Billie Piper resurfaces in ‘Doctor Who' finale shocker as Ncuti Gatwa exits show
There's a new doctor in the TARDIS. Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor regenerated into former companion Billie Piper during the British sci-fi show's season finale on Saturday. Gatwa, 32, confirmed to the BBC that he's leaving the series after playing the Time Lord for two seasons. Advertisement 8 Ncuti Gatwa in the 'Doctor Who' season finale. BBC 8 Ncuti Gatwa is leaving 'Doctor Who' after two seasons. BBC Piper, 42, previously played Rose Tyler, the companion to Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor and David Tennant's Tenth Doctor, on the show from 2005 to 2006. Advertisement In a statement to the BBC, Piper celebrated her return to the show but didn't confirm that she's playing the Sixteenth Doctor. 8 Billie Piper in the 'Doctor Who' season finale. BBC 8 Billie Piper is returning to the 'Doctor Who' franchise. BBC '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 actress said. Advertisement 'But who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see,' she added. 8 Billie Piper attending the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards. Showrunner Russell T Davis added: '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!' If Piper is the new Doctor, she'll be the second female to take on the iconic role after Jodie Whittaker, who played the Thirteenth Doctor from 2018 to 2022. Advertisement 8 Billie Piper and David Tennant filming 'Doctor Who' in 2006. Huw John/Shutterstock Whittaker, 42, made a cameo in Saturday's finale. The credits at the end of the episode said, 'Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper.' Gatwa joined the series after Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor regenerated in 2023. '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,' Gatwa told the BBC about his exit from the series. 8 Ncuti Gatwa in the 'Doctor Who' season finale. BBC 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever,' the 'Barbie' star continued. '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.' 8 Ncuti Gatwa at the BAFTA Scotland awards. Gatwa added: '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.' Advertisement 'I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor,' Gatwa concluded. Gatwa is set to star in the play 'Born With Teeth' in the West End. Performances run from Aug. 13 to Nov. 11.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Doctor Who's Billie Piper issues cryptic eight-word statement after finale twist
Billie Piper has broken her silence, hinting at the possibility of taking over from Ncuti Gatwa as the iconic Doctor Who character. In a stunning twist in Saturday night's finale, fans were left reeling as Ncuti departed from his role as the enigmatic Time Lord. The gripping two-part season climax featured the Doctor's confrontation with the cunning Rani amidst a moral quandary to save a child, ending in the Doctor's heartfelt departure to Belinda Chandra, portrayed by Varada Sethu, with the poignant words: "I hope you'll see me again, but not like this." In an unforeseen turn of events, Billie emerged, post-regeneration, throwing into question whether she will indeed be the new face of the Doctor henceforth. Interestingly, the closing credits introduced Billie Piper without confirming her as the next Doctor, leaving viewers eagerly speculating with the caption 'Introducing Billie Piper'. Billie is no stranger to the Whoniverse, having played Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor back in 2005. With Jodie Whittaker leading the way as the first female incarnation of the Time Lord, Billie could potentially be the next woman to step into the Doctor's shoes, reports the Manchester Evening News. Following the broadcast, Billie shared her affection for the series in a statement, which read: "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." Following the latest Doctor Who episode, Billie also took to Instagram with a cryptic eight-word post that read: "A rose is a rose is a rose!!!" This was written alongside throwback snaps from her time as Rose Tyler, the Doctor's companion. The BBC shared a heartfelt statement from Ncuti Gatwa, expressing his sentiments on leaving the iconic role as 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." He continued, reflecting on his tenure as the Doctor: "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." Ncuti also acknowledged the inevitable departure, adding: "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." Concluding his statement, he expressed his lasting connection to the series, saying: "I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor." Russell T Davies, the Doctor Who showrunner, paid tribute to Ncuti's performance, praising: "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." Doctor Who is available to catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who is Rose Tyler? Billie Piper's character in Doctor Who universe
Fans of Doctor Who got a massive surprise in the series finale when Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor regenerated into Billie Piper. That's right: the beloved actress, best known to Whovians as Rose Tyler, stepped back into the TARDIS 'one more time'. But who exactly is Rose Tyler, and why does her return matter so much? Rose Tyler, introduced in 2005 when the show relaunched after a long hiatus, was the first companion of the modern Doctor Who era. Billie Piper starred alongside Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor and later David Tennant's Tenth, and quickly became a fan favourite. Her character was an ordinary shop girl from London who became special through her travels across time and space. ALSO READ| When is King of the Hill reboot releasing? Cast and where to watch Piper played Rose for two full series. Her final full appearance in 2006 broke hearts as Rose was trapped in a parallel universe. She returned for brief cameos and specials later, but fans never stopped asking: could Rose ever come back for real? 'Just how and why she [Billie Piper] is back remains to be seen…' the BBC teased. 'It's no secret how much I love this show,' Piper said in a statement, '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.' Even the episode credits read, 'Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper.' ALSO READ| Sydney Sweeney finally breaks silence on split from fiancé Jonathan Davino: 'I'm loving it' Showrunner Russell T Davies added fuel, stating, '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!'
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Doctor Who fans argue Billie Piper may not the new Doctor
The two-part season finale saw Gatwa's 15th Doctor face fellow Time Lady the Rani in a battle to save the world. It ended with the Doctor regenerating once again, changing into none other than former companion star Billie Piper. However, keen-eyed fans have spotted that Piper, known for her role as Rose Tyler, may not be the new Doctor. Ncuti Gatwa pictured regenerating in his final episode of Doctor Who (Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon/PA Wire) While it is confirmed that Ncuti Gatwa has left Doctor Who and has regenerated into Billie Piper, some are not sure she is the next Doctor. In the end credits, it read: "And introducing Billie Piper." Fans compared this to when Ncuti Gatwa was introduced as the 15th Doctor, when it read: "And introducing Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor." One said on X (formerly Twitter): "Everyone failing to notice Biliie Piper was not "introduced" as the Doctor in the credits, just as Billie Piper. "She's clearly not the Doctor but some Bad Wolf shenanigans." Another said: "100%. No mention of her on Unleashed either." A third added: "I noticed this too! What does it mean? I need to know now!" Fueling speculation on her role in the show, Doctor Who TV simply says: "But just how and why she is back remains to be seen…" 🔥 SPOILERS! 🔥 Watch the moment we said goodbye to the Fifteenth Doctor and hello to... #DoctorWho Doctor Who Showrunner Russell T Davies added: '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!' Piper, 42, first appeared in the series as the companion to Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor in 2005. She stayed on for the next series with 10th Doctor David Tennant, and also returned as part of the 50th anniversary. Recommended reading: On her return, Piper 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.' Shortly after the finale aired, the actress shared a post on Instagram holding a rose with the caption that read: 'A rose is a rose is a rose !!!' If she is confirmed as The Doctor, Piper will be the second after Jody Whittaker's 13th Doctor.
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Doctor Who fans argue Billie Piper may not the new Doctor
The two-part season finale saw Gatwa's 15th Doctor face fellow Time Lady the Rani in a battle to save the world. It ended with the Doctor regenerating once again, changing into none other than former companion star Billie Piper. However, keen-eyed fans have spotted that Piper, known for her role as Rose Tyler, may not be the new Doctor. Ncuti Gatwa pictured regenerating in his final episode of Doctor Who (Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon/PA Wire) While it is confirmed that Ncuti Gatwa has left Doctor Who and has regenerated into Billie Piper, some are not sure she is the next Doctor. In the end credits, it read: "And introducing Billie Piper." Fans compared this to when Ncuti Gatwa was introduced as the 15th Doctor, when it read: "And introducing Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor." One said on X (formerly Twitter): "Everyone failing to notice Biliie Piper was not "introduced" as the Doctor in the credits, just as Billie Piper. "She's clearly not the Doctor but some Bad Wolf shenanigans." Another said: "100%. No mention of her on Unleashed either." A third added: "I noticed this too! What does it mean? I need to know now!" Fueling speculation on her role in the show, Doctor Who TV simply says: "But just how and why she is back remains to be seen…" 🔥 SPOILERS! 🔥 Watch the moment we said goodbye to the Fifteenth Doctor and hello to... #DoctorWho Doctor Who Showrunner Russell T Davies added: '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!' Piper, 42, first appeared in the series as the companion to Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor in 2005. She stayed on for the next series with 10th Doctor David Tennant, and also returned as part of the 50th anniversary. Recommended reading: On her return, Piper 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.' Shortly after the finale aired, the actress shared a post on Instagram holding a rose with the caption that read: 'A rose is a rose is a rose !!!' If she is confirmed as The Doctor, Piper will be the second after Jody Whittaker's 13th Doctor.
