Latest news with #TheRani
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Billie Piper appears to be new Doctor as Ncuti Gatwa leaves Doctor Who
Ncuti Gatwa has left Doctor Who and said he 'loved every minute of it' as he is seen regenerating into Billie Piper in the season finale. Piper, 42, first appeared in the series as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston's Time Lord – and then again for the 10th Doctor played by David Tennant. Advertisement Piper appeared to replace Gatwa, who leaves Doctor Who after two seasons in the science-fiction series, as she arrived on screen with the words 'Oh, hello!'. 🔥 SPOILERS! 🔥 Watch the moment we said goodbye to the Fifteenth Doctor and hello to... #DoctorWho — Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) May 31, 2025 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 !!!' Born in Rwanda before moving to Scotland, Gatwa's time on the long-running science fiction programme came to an end as The Reality War episode brought this season to a close on Saturday. Advertisement The two-part season finale saw the Doctor face the Rani in a battle to save the world after making the decision to save the life of one little girl. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Billie Piper (@billiepiper) As he bid farewell to companion Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu, he said: 'I hope you'll see me again, but not like this.' Speaking about his decision to leave the series, Gatwa 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. '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. Advertisement '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.' The finale also saw Jodie Whittaker, the 13th doctor, make a guest appearance as Gatwa's Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes. Ncuti Gatwa attending the premiere of Doctor Who season two (Ian West/PA) The credit at the end of the programme said: 'Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper.' Sex Education and Barbie star Gatwa has played the 15th Doctor since Scottish actor David Tennant bi-generated in 2023, after his version of the character was brought back to life as the 14th Doctor. Advertisement Whittaker, the first woman to play the Time Lord, announced in July 2021 that she would depart after three series as the 13th Doctor. Russell T Davies, Doctor Who showrunner, 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!' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Millie Gibson (@milliegibbo) Actress Millie Gibson, who plays Ruby Sunday – one of the companions to Gatwa's Doctor, shared a post on Instagram with photographs of the two together adding that the actor made the character 'even more special'. Advertisement She wrote: '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. Thank you for taking me to the stars.' Gatwa will soon star in the West End premiere of Born With Teeth, a play that re-imagines the relationship between rival playwrights Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Since Piper left the Whoniverse, she starred in the ITV series, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and portrayed Newsnight producer Sam McAlister in Netflix's Scoop, which tells the behind-the-scenes story of Emily Maitlis' momentous interview with Britain's Prince Andrew.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa says final farewell to the TARDIS as the Fifteenth Doctor regenerates
In Doctor Who season 2 finale The Reality War viewers saw Ncuti Gatwa's final scenes as the Doctor as he steps down from one of the most iconic roles in British television. In an epic two-part season finale, viewers saw the Doctor face the Rani in an extraordinary battle to save the world and the Doctor made the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of one little girl. Watch Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer and add to your Watchlist Since being announced as the Doctor in May 2022, Ncuti Gatwa was launched into the Whoniverse and immediately taken into the hearts of Doctor Who fans across the globe. With his first appearance being part of the show's 60th anniversary celebrations in November 2023, Gatwa's arrival into the show was a never seen before bi-generation which saw him split from the Fourteenth Doctor, played by David Tennant. His portrayal of the Doctor won Gatwa a Best Actor award at the BAFTA Cymru Awards in 2024, as well as nominations for a BAFTA Scotland Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen, and Best Actor in a Drama Series at The Critics Choice Television Awards in the US in 2025. Gatwa's first full episode, The Church on Ruby Road saw the Doctor team up with companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, and the two travelled on out of this world adventures, with episodes including The Devil's Chord, Rogue and Boom with Gatwa winning praise globally for his iteration of the iconic character. In season two, Gatwa gained another companion, Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu and the stakes got higher, with battles bigger than ever before with the duo going back in time to Miami in Lux, travelling to Lagos in The Story & the Engine as well as attending the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest before facing the Rani and Omega in his final battle to save earth before regenerating once more. Speaking of his decision to leave, Ncuti 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. 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.' Speaking of Ncuti's departure, Russell T Davies, Showrunner 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." Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama added: 'When Ncuti Gatwa first stepped foot on the TARDIS we instantly knew he was going to be an iconic Doctor and it wasn't long before his dazzling performances captured the hearts of so many around the globe. The role of the Doctor is like no other and Ncuti's dedication, charisma and magnetism has taken the Doctor into unchartered territory which we have never experienced before. As Ncuti himself said at the start of this journey - unlike the Doctor he may only have one heart, but he is giving it all to this role - I think we can all agree that he did that, and more. Thanks, Ncuti for being such a special part of the Whoniverse.' But as viewers said goodbye to the Fifteenth Doctor they got a hello from a much-loved face... As everyone said farewell to this iconic Doctor, they also got sight of a very familiar face as the Doctor regenerated and it was none other than Billie Piper... Billie first appeared in the Whoniverse when Doctor Who returned to screens in 2005, as Rose Tyler, the much-loved Companion to the Doctor played by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant. But just how and why she is back remains to be seen… Speaking of the surprise twist, Russell T Davies adds: "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!" Speaking of her return, Billie says: "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." Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television. EP/NH/JA2
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The Doctor Who finale will 'shock and terrify' — what parents need to know
The Doctor Who finale will see a battle across the skies as the Unholy Trinity unleash a villainous plan for the universe. Showrunner Russell T Davies promised that the momentous episode will clear up the bi-generation that saw Ncuti Gatwa take over from David Tennant in the 60th anniversary special, while fans have been busy sharing their theories on what else viewers can expect from the finale. Last week's episode, Wish World, saw The Rani (Archie Panjabi) reveal her masterplan to resurrect Omega, one of the founders of Time Lord civilisation and a classic Doctor Who villain dating back to 1973. Russell T Davies has said of this week's finale: 'The Doctor is doomed, Belinda is lost, Ruby is trapped, UNIT is powerless, the Unholy Trinity rule supreme and the Underverse is rising…I can promise shocks, scares and revelations off the scale.' It sounds gripping, but with a monumental battle set to rage across the Whoniverse, parents of younger children may be wondering if The Reality War is suitable for family viewing. 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. The Doctor Who season two finale, The Reality War, has been classified 12A, meaning it contains material that is not generally suitable for children under 12. A two-part finale of Wish World and The Reality War will be shown in cinemas across the UK on Saturday, but children younger than 12 can't attend a 12A cinema screening without an adult. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), which assigns age ratings to films, TV and online content, advises: 'Adults planning to take a child under 12 to a 12A should consider whether the main feature is suitable for that child.' Some of the themes viewers can expect from content classified 12A include dangerous behaviour, moderate bad language, threat and horror, and violence. Empire of Death, the final episode of the previous season of Doctor Who, was also classified 12A due to moderate horror and fantasy threat. The BBFC explained its classification was due to 'scenes of horror and fantastical threat involving a creature and his sinister minions.' It added: 'Characters are possessed, making their voices distort and their faces turn sinister and emaciated. A person is transformed into crumbling sand. There are scenes of panic as terrified civilians flee a fantastical threat.' Brief references to the death of a child, teenage pregnancy and domestic abuse were also cited as reasons for the classification. Metro TV reporter and Doctor Who fan Asyia Iftikhar has watched every episode of season two, and is confident the finale is going to be a must-watch. Reviewing the penultimate episode, Wish World, she wrote: 'By far and away, Archie Panjabi's larger-than-life performance as The Rani proved one of the best aspects of the episode, which has infused new life into the finale. 'It was always a gamble to bring back a Classic Who character – but it has paid off handsomely so far. 'Not only is The Rani's dynamic with the Doctor beautifully explored but Archie's delivery is full to the brim with charm, wit and confidence. 'Essentially, the casting team hit the nail on the head by bringing Archie on board to resurrect The Rani, and I can't wait to see what more havoc she wreaks in the season finale.' Read Asyia's full review. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Doctor Who is undeniably appealing to children, after all, it's about an alien time traveller who has adventures in a spaceship shaped like a police box. But it's certainly not just for kids. Many fans grew up with various iterations of the Doctor and remain loyal to the show still, watching with their own families. The fantastical adventures are usually accompanied by clever humour and the tackling of weighty issues, making the show at times complex and more than a little frightening (Weeping Angels, we're looking at you). Which means that it's not always suitable viewing for younger children. The majority of episodes classified by the BBFC have been given a PG rating, meaning they 'should not unsettle a child aged eight or older'. But when it comes to deciding whether a child is old enough to watch, experts have told Metro that the final decision should lie with the parents. Parenting expert Sue Atkins said: 'It's less about a fixed age and more about knowing your child. Some 8-year-olds love the thrill of Doctor Who, while others might find the tension or monsters unsettling.' She added: 'When my own kids first got into Doctor Who, we made it a shared event – lights low, snacks ready, and always the agreement that they could turn it off if it got too intense. 'That gave them a sense of control, and us a chance to talk through the big ideas.' Sue suggests parents consider three things when deciding what TV shows are suitable for children to watch: Content: Check the age rating, but don't rely on it entirely. Watch a trailer or read a trusted review and look out for recurring themes – Doctor Who often includes suspense, moral dilemmas and sometimes loss or fear, even if it's wrapped in family-friendly storytelling. Check the age rating, but don't rely on it entirely. Watch a trailer or read a trusted review and look out for recurring themes – Doctor Who often includes suspense, moral dilemmas and sometimes loss or fear, even if it's wrapped in family-friendly storytelling. Context: Think about what your child has already handled. Have they seen similar shows and coped well, or do they struggle with nightmares or anxiety afterwards? Each child is unique – what excites one may overwhelm another. Think about what your child has already handled. Have they seen similar shows and coped well, or do they struggle with nightmares or anxiety afterwards? Each child is unique – what excites one may overwhelm another. Conversation: If you're unsure, watch together. Be on hand to press pause and talk through tricky scenes. Asking 'How did that make you feel?' or 'What would you have done?' helps kids process what they're seeing. Parenting coach Anisa Lewis agrees, telling Metro that this guidance applies to all TV shows, not just Doctor Who. 'My philosophy when it comes to age recommendations is that parents are best placed to decide what's suitable for their child,' she explains, adding that parents shouldn't feel pressured to allow their children to watch something just because their peers are. But as for what parents can expect from the Doctor Who finale, the show creators have been keeping their cards close to their chest when it comes to plot. More Trending On scare-factor, however, director Alex Sanjiv Pillai has said this: 'For season two, the idea was to have a punchier, more dramatic, more tense, scary even, set of stories. 'The two-part finale, Wish World and The Reality War, is a culmination of all those things. We want to thrill, we want to shock, we want to absolutely terrify.' We can't wait to see the Doctor and The Rani go head-to-head, but maybe after the kids have gone to bed… View More » The Doctor Who finale, The Reality War, airs on Saturday, May 31, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 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. MORE: Wynne Evans devastated as he confirms BBC axe: 'It breaks my heart' MORE: 11 years on, I'm still mourning comedy legend Rik Mayall MORE: BBC confirms huge Casualty news and it's the end of an era
BBC News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Doctor Who's Archie Panjabi teases high-stakes final showdown and reveals all about the Rani - "I have always wanted to play a baddie"
Doctor Who season 2 finale The Reality Wat sees battle rage across the skies as the Unholy Trinity unleash their deadly ambition. The Doctor, Belinda and Ruby have to risk everything in the quest to save one innocent life. Ahead of their final showdown, we caught up with the Rani herself, Archie Panjabi, to find out what to expect... Watch Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer and add to your Watchlist NH/EP/JA2 Archie Panjabi (The Rani) Welcome to the Whoniverse! How did this all come about? I received a text from Phil Collinson (Executive Producer) who asked me if I would like to be on Doctor Who. I nearly dropped my phone. Phil was there when I did my very first television job, so it already felt special. When he told me him and Russell wanted me to play the Rani… what else could I say other than 'when?'. I was so excited. Was it hard to keep the secret from your friends and family? It was pure agony. The Rani is such an iconic character, and fans had been speculating and hoping for her return for a long time. Since Christmas 2023, I've been watching the show and seeing the excitement grow around Mrs Flood. I knew the truth behind the theories, and it was pure agony to keep quiet- but it was worth it. Were you a fan of Doctor Who before? I grew up with Doctor Who. I didn't get to watch every episode, but it was definitely my wild escape... with the time travel, the monsters and this quirky character of the Doctor. I thought the sonic screwdriver was the best thing on the planet. Now, as the Rani, I finally get one. I did try to sneak it off set [laughs], but they were guarding it like the Crown Jewels. There were two: a dummy and a chic steel one. I thought if I brought it home, I'd be the coolest parent in town, in the universe. What do you think makes Doctor Who so special? It's something that everyone has grown up with, particularly in the UK. There's something so magical about this Time Lord who jumps into this blue box that can take you anywhere. It makes the weird feel wonderful and the impossible feel just within reach. It's genius. I think people love it for being so whimsical and adventurous. Mrs Flood and the Rani have such a great dynamic on screen, what can you tell us about this? And how was it working with Anita Dobson? Anita has a wicked sense of humour and we got on like a house on fire. That relationship was effortless, and I hope the audience get to feel that chemistry on screen. When I met her, she gave me a big hug. I knew this was somebody I would not only connect with for the purposes of Doctor Who, but I would be in touch with for the rest of my life. In terms of their relationship on screen, they're a riot. They're united in purpose on their mission, but their dynamic isn't exactly subtle. The Rani is the leader, and Mrs Flood's Rani hovers behind. But the real fun kicks in when we see these two characters alone and they turn into bickering sisters. It was a lot of fun to play. What was it like filming the bi-generation scene? Anita and I had to stand side-by-side and twist the upper halves of our body to an angle where we could look at each other. We needed to give the illusion we were joined at the hip. It was very awkward but hilarious. We spent the whole day filming this scene, and let's just say by the end of that scene, we got to know each other extremely well [laughs]. It was really hard to keep a straight face. The Rani is such an iconic character in the history of Doctor Who. What can you tell us about her and your approach to the character? The Rani is iconic. There's a reason fans yearned for her return. She's brilliant, she's unapologetic, and she's totally out of sync with any moral compass. I have always wanted to play a baddie. So the Rani for me is an absolute treat. She's a wild force. She'll burn anyone or anything to get what she wants, dancing with chaos like it's her birthright. I took that fire and made it my own, and I had a blast doing it. What was it like working with Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu? It doesn't matter how many jobs you've done, or how much you prepare walking into something new is always nerve-wracking. But Ncuti and Varada were rockstars, they made me feel like part of the gang from day one. It all comes down to the energy on set. Everyone on that set, the crew, the producers, the whole cast, just made it so easy to relax, have fun and step into the character. Playing that character is a blast, but being with such a warm and welcoming group made it something very special. What was your reaction to seeing the sets in Wish World and The Reality War? Stunning! I don't think I've ever had a set so vast and mesmerising. I was intimidated by it when I first saw it. It's just huge. It's the endoskeleton of this beast. Everything in it is carved from material that looks like bone, the tables, the chairs, even the computer monitors. It was breathtaking. You have such an incredible catalogue of work. How does Doctor Who compare to your other roles? I've always wanted to play a baddie. I don't think I could have played a character like the Rani had I not done the work I've done before. I think each of those roles brought something to give me the experience to play something like this. It was great fun. Did you watch the previous episodes with the Rani? Absolutely. I had seen it before, but I watched it again. She's unforgettable. I was keen to capture her essence, her strength, her presence, but also avoid mimicking her. We're both different Ranis, but I did want to give that nod to her. But at the same time, I wanted to embrace Russell's script and dialogue and make her my own. Wish World ends on a massive cliffhanger. What can you tease about the finale, The Reality War? In the finale, we see the Time Lord and the Time Lady go head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown. Who is going to win? Who will claim the victory? And you don't know what happens next. If you could travel in the TARDIS to any time and place in the universe, where would you go? I think I would jump into that beautiful blue box and head to Ancient Egypt when they were building the pyramids, which I think are stunningly breathtaking, and have a drink with a Pharaoh and work out how on earth they managed to move those massive stones. They're incredible structures. On a final note, how would you sum up the finale? The finale is like two chess players – who will make the final move and play checkmate.
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
All you need to know about Doctor Who's Omega as classic villain returns
Doctor Who viewers will see a major villain return to the franchise after the latest episode set the scene for a reality to be torn apart to make way for evil Doctor Who fans can rejoice as as the show is set to see a major villain make their return as part of the Unholy Trinity. Last week viewers learned that Mrs Flood (Anita Dobson) is in The Rani, with the bi-generation also resulting in a new incarnation of the villain (played by Archie Panjabi). But Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies later confirmed that the two Ranis count as one part of the trinity, with grifter Conrad Clark (Jonah Hauer-King) taking the second spot. While the question remained of who the third member would be the latest episode, Wish World, gave fans the answer they had been waiting for with 1973 villain Omega taking their place in the trinity. Wish World centers on an Earth where life is dictated by Conrad Clark. The infant God of Wishes has been abducted by the Rani who uses its powers alongside Conrad's warped mind and "a web of titanic power" created by the Doctor's vindicator to mould their "idyllic" world. The Rani(s) created Wish World so that they could ultimately destroy it as the break in reality it causes will open the Underverse, a realm where "the one who is lost" - Omega - dwells. Conrad describes him as: "Omega - the first Time Lord. The creator of the Time Lords. The greatest and most terrifying Time Lord of all." Omega's origins are rooted deep within the foundations of Time Lord's. He helped to harness the power of a star which enabled time travel, which in turn laid the foundations of Time Lord civilisation. But, the amazing feat saw Omega lost and totally consumed by madness. He then became a bitter villain who wants revenge against the Time Lords. The character first appeared in 1972 in The Three Doctors which starred Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton and William Hartnell. He appeared again in 1983 before he was banished back to his universe via the antimatter. It is yet to be revealed if the "Underverse" the Rani mentioned is the same antimatter realm where we last left Omega or if he now resides in a new realm since the events of Arc of Infinity. Omega has previously been brought to life by actors including the late Stephen Thorne in The Three Doctors, and the late Ian Collier in the Arc Of Infinity. With both of those stars having passed away in the years since we last saw the villain. Peter Davison also played Omega when he assumed the Doctor's physical form. However, in Wish World as the Underverse cracks open, a voice is heard bellowing: "Long live Omega! Omega shall be free!" Fans now expect to see a new actor take on the role for the season finale The Reality War next week. Doctor Who will return on Saturday May 31. New episodes are available from 8am on Saturdays on BBC iPlayer, landing later in the day on BBC One in the UK. Viewers outside of the UK can stream the series on Disney+.
