Latest news with #RubySunday
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa issues heartfelt message to fans after shock exit
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has shared a sweet statement on social media after exiting the Tardis. The 32-year-old actor gutted (and surprised) fans after regenerating into returning star Billie Piper at the end of his season two finale on Saturday night after a dramatic conclusion to his and Belinda's eight-episode arc. This meant that after only two seasons, much to the dismay of Whovians everywhere, we had to say goodbye to his Doctor after only 16 episodes and two-and-a-half specials. Especially since his exit from the show was not announced beforehand – as is usually the case when one Doctor is set to leave – it made it even more of a plot twist. In an official Instagram post he shared images with his two companions Ruby Sunday and Belinda Chandra (Millie Gibson and Varada Sehtu) 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. He wrote: 'Three queens of the sky… 'Twas an experience like no other and thank God we were by eachothers side. There aren't quite the words for how much you both mean to me but I am so grateful I got the opportunity to work, learn from and laugh with you both everyday. You're both just simply incredible and it has been nothing short of a blessing to share this journey with both of you. Ruby Sunday and Belinda Chandra will live in mine and the Whoniverse hearts forever. Also shout out to the CAPTAIN of all 15's companions. Captain Poppy. Ultimate top dog of this season! (lil Sienna brought so much life and magic to us all on set ) I love you guys. We did it After the official BBC Doctor Who actor uploaded a picture of Gatwa as the Doctor in the Tardis with the caption of two broken hearts (as a nod to the Time Lord's unique physiology) and a fire emoji, the Sex Education star reposted it on his Instagram story. He added the caption: 'Thank you for it all, 15,' with a rocket emoji. The episode also involved his former companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) who shared her own farewell message on Instagram of the image of the two of them across their shared episodes. 'Nothing can put into words the experience we've shared. I am forever grateful to have been a part of it and watched you bloom into the fabulous Doctor the world has got to know and adore. You have made this incredible character even more special with who you are and how good you wear clothes. 'You're my forever friend and doctor and I'll be here cheering you on watching you on your further successes with every new companion you meet along the way ;) More Trending 'Thank you for taking me to the stars. Love, Ruby roo,' she wrote. Gatwa also reposted this, saying: 'My Ruby Roo.' Elsewhere in the heartbreaking finale, he shared a scene with 13th Doctor Jodie Whittaker adding that it 'was beyond a flipping honour and joy to work with legendary Jodie'. In an official BBC statement 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: Doctor Who fans notice glaring issue with Billie Piper's shock return MORE: 7 best shows to binge if you're already missing Doctor Who after finale MORE: Is Ncuti Gatwa leaving? Our Doctor Who experts know who should take over
Metro
4 days 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
Gizmodo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Ncuti Gatwa Is a Barbie, Again
Not content with simply being Ken again after his guest appearance in the Barbie movie coincided with the news that he would be Doctor Who's latest Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa is going full circle with his very own 15th Doctor Barbie doll. Revealed by the BBC this morning, Mattel Creations will release new Barbie dolls of the 15th Doctor and his first companion, Ruby Sunday. He's Ken no more! 'Barbie is iconic, so to see a Barbie iteration of the Doctor was emotional, surreal, incredible and I can't wipe the smile off my face,' Gatwa told the BBC. 'I hope kids out there are able to enjoy the doll and see themselves in it and think 'I can do anything''. Gatwa isn't the first Time Lord to be Barbie-fied–Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor had that honor back in 2018–but Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday will mark the first time a Doctor Who companion has entered the Barbie world. Doctor Who 15th Doctor and Ruby Sunday Barbie Dolls Neither the Doctor nor Ruby come with much in the way of accessories–their respective jackets are removeable, and both have a display stand included, but there's no sonic screwdriver or anything to be found here. But just like Mattel's other more adult-collector-focused Barbie releases, you can still expect to pay a pretty penny for the Doctor and Ruby. Both dolls will be available through Mattel Creations in the US for $55 each starting today, with an August release date, but will also eventually head to Target, Walmart, and Amazon closer to launch.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Ncuti Gatwa 'emotional' to see Doctor Who Barbie doll
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa says he was 'emotional' after receiving his very own Barbie Doll made in the likeness of his character from the popular science fiction series. Toy company Mattel is releasing the figure to celebrate its first appearance at MCM London Comic Con, which is being held at Excel London this weekend. The Barbie Fifteenth Doctor Doll features a face sculpted in the likeness of Gatwa and is dressed in a striped shirt, sleek trousers, a long brown jacket and white trainers. Mattel said the design captures the 'bold, expressive energy of the Doctor'. Gatwa said: 'Barbie is iconic, so to see a Barbie iteration of the Doctor was emotional, surreal, incredible, and I can't wipe the smile off my face. 'I hope kids out there are able to enjoy the doll and see themselves in it and think 'I can do anything'.' Mattel has also created a model of Doctor Who's companion Ruby Sunday, who is played by Millie Gibson in the current series. The Barbie Ruby Sunday Doll is sculpted in the likeness of Gibson and is dressed in a fur-trimmed jacket, red shirt, plaid skirt, black tights and boots. Mattel said the ensemble reflects Ruby's 'style and spirit' as the Doctor's companion. The Barbie x Doctor Who dolls will be available for pre-sale from Friday on Mattel Creations and Amazon UK. The dolls will also be sold online at Argos, Hamleys, Harrods and Very from late July. Mattel Creations will be at MCM London Comic Con over three days this weekend with immersive brand spaces, designer meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and gaming zones.
BreakingNews.ie
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Ncuti Gatwa 'emotional' to see Doctor Who Barbie doll
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa says he was 'emotional' after receiving his very own Barbie Doll made in the likeness of his character from the popular science fiction series. Toy company Mattel is releasing the figure to celebrate its first appearance at MCM London Comic Con, which is being held at Excel London this weekend. Advertisement The Barbie Fifteenth Doctor Doll features a face sculpted in the likeness of Gatwa and is dressed in a striped shirt, sleek trousers, a long brown jacket and white trainers. Mattel said the design captures the 'bold, expressive energy of the Doctor'. Gatwa said: 'Barbie is iconic, so to see a Barbie iteration of the Doctor was emotional, surreal, incredible, and I can't wipe the smile off my face. Ncuti Gatwa with the Doctor Who Barbie (Isabel Infantes/PA Media Assignments) 'I hope kids out there are able to enjoy the doll and see themselves in it and think 'I can do anything'.' Advertisement Mattel has also created a model of Doctor Who's companion Ruby Sunday, who is played by Millie Gibson in the current series. The Barbie Ruby Sunday Doll is sculpted in the likeness of Gibson and is dressed in a fur-trimmed jacket, red shirt, plaid skirt, black tights and boots. Mattel said the ensemble reflects Ruby's 'style and spirit' as the Doctor's companion. The Barbie x Doctor Who dolls will be available for pre-sale from Friday on Mattel Creations and Amazon UK. Advertisement The dolls will also be sold online at Argos, Hamleys, Harrods and Very from late July. Mattel Creations will be at MCM London Comic Con over three days this weekend with immersive brand spaces, designer meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and gaming zones.
