Latest news with #TheRealityWar
Euronews
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Shock finale: Fans divided over possible identity of new Doctor Who
This weekend's final episode of the 15th season of Doctor Who, 'The Reality War', saw Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor exit the role and regenerate into Billie Piper, who is already established in the beloved British sci-fi drama as former companion Rose Tyler. Piper played the character Rose Tyler for 35 episodes between 2005 and 2013 opposite the Time Lord played by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant. The credit at the end of the programme said: "Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper". So, is Piper the 16th Doctor – and therefore only the third woman to portray the character? Producers are keeping their cards close to their chest — for now. 'Just how and why she is back remains to be seen,' the BBC said in a statement after the finale aired. '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,' showrunner Russell T Davies said in a statement. Piper said 'Doctor Who' has provided some of her best memories and she couldn't pass up the opportunity to come back. 'It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return ... but who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see,' she said. So, while Piper's statement does not make it clear whether she will be the 16th Doctor, eagle eyed fans have expressed doubts as they were quick to note that Piper was not introduced as the Doctor in the credits, as is custom... Even if the identity of the next Doctor remains uncertain, what's sure is that fans on social media appeared divided after Piper made her shock return to the series. Some expressed joy at her return, with one taking to X to write: 'I literally don't give a FUCK about anyone else's opinion. Some of you are never happy, and that's okay, be miserable. But me? I'll be sat, looking at Billie Piper. The world is healing…' Others were confused, while some prayed that this was not a gimmick and that Piper gets the opportunity to have her go as the Doctor... Some fans, however, were unimpressed. 'You need to reboot, you've dragged it to the lowest depths of hell,' wrote one, while another described the surprise return as an 'absolute train wreck.' One chimed in to say: 'Regenerating into Billie Piper just to boost ratings felt completely unneeded.' Some recalled that Christopher Eccleston, who played the 9th Doctor, once said that Piper should play a version of the Doctor... The Rwanda-born, Scotland-raised Gatwa, 29, was the first Black actor to helm the show, but he wasn't the first Black Doctor — Jo Martin played 'Fugitive Doctor' in several episodes. In a statement, Gatwa said of his departure: "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 added: "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." "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." Gatwa took over the role from Jodie Whittaker in 2023. Whittaker was the 13th Doctor and the first woman to play the galaxy-hopping extraterrestrial who regenerates into new bodies. She took over from Peter Capaldi in 2017. Martin was the second woman. It's unknown when Doctor Who will next appear on our screens and when fans will get answers. The show typically has a Christmas special, but this has not been confirmed. If the series should return in 2026, production would need to get going pretty quickly. Fans online are speculating that a new series will hit the screens in 2027. That's a long time to wait for the confirmed identity of the new Time Lord... 'When we build, let us think that we build forever,' Italian fashion designer Brunello Cucinelli quoted English polymath John Ruskin at an address to celebrate being the first recipient of an honorary doctorate in 'Design for Made in Italy: Identity, Innovation, and Sustainability'. The same quote is inscribed on a plaque in the centre of Solomeo, the hamlet which Cucinelli has made the home of his family, business and spiritual life since 1985. Once a crumbling site at the top of a hill among the rolling Umbrian countryside, it has been lovingly restored over the years thanks to funds from the Cucinelli enterprise. It is for this that he's been honoured at the University of Campania by a group of universities and specialists in the field of architecture, as well as the extension of this work to the surrounding Umbrian region. It is the first time the designer has received an award for architecture. In 2010 the designer, famed for his luxurious cashmere knitwear, and his wife, established Fondazione Brunello e Federica Cucinelli which has had a significant and lasting impact on the Umbrian region. The Italian region is characterised by medieval towns, monasteries and lush green fields and hills which make it a popular holiday and wedding destination, but the countless historic sites present a challenge to maintain. 'I firmly believe in the duty to preserve this legacy,' says Cucinelli. 'In losing our memories, we would lose ourselves. Moreover, safeguarding history means giving substance to the future.' Walking around Perugia, the region's capital, you won't find the Cucinelli name celebrated on a plaque or in the name of a building, but the family's influence is everywhere. It's in the pink tones of the Roman inscription on the city's Etruscan arch landmark, which hadn't been visible to present-day visitors until the Cucinelli Foundation restored it in 2014. It's in the beautifully refurbished interiors of the Morlacchi theatre, which has remained open to residents thanks to funding given in 2017 and the fresh façade of the cathedral they supported in 2022. In 2018, Brunello Cucinelli sold a 6% share in his eponymous company to add a further €100 million to the foundation. The foundation's current ongoing projects include a library in Solomeo and the rebuilding of the medieval village of Castelluccio di Norcia which was destroyed in an earthquake in 2016. Many of Italy's fashion houses have contributed to the restoration of the country's historic landmarks. Fendi donated €2 million to the restoration of the Trevi Fountain in 2013, Salvatore Ferragamo renovated a wing of the Uffizi Gallery in 2015 and Bulgari sponsored work on the Spanish Steps in 2016. While these projects are necessary and worthwhile, there's something particularly special about Cucinelli's ongoing work on a local level in the region he clearly loves so deeply. The projects also go beyond preserving history, with many having tangible benefits for the wider community too. Culture, education and spirituality are at the heart of many of them. 'I have learned that architecture is made for mankind,' he explains. Brunello Cucinelli was born in the rural Umbrian village of Castel Rigone, around 20km from Solomeo. He met his wife, Federica, in her hometown of Solomeo when they were teenagers and the couple set up home in the hamlet which today is home to around 700 other residents. It's also now home to their two daughters, Camilla and Carolina, along with their husbands, all of whom work in the company, and their children. Down in the valley next to the hamlet is the Brunello Cucinelli factory and offices which provide work to around 700 employees. The space is bright and clean, with large windows that look out onto the manicured lawns and surrounding countryside, a luxury many fashion workers don't get in city warehouses. Lunch breaks are an hour and a half, no one eats at their desk, and everyone leaves on time at the end of the day. 'That time is for your soul,' says the entrepreneur. Even among his own family, they don't talk business at the dinner table. Cucinelli has a reputation as 'fashion's philosopher', and his speech at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli was littered with the thoughts and words of great thinkers: Kant, St Francis, St Benedict, Xenophanes, Emperor Hadrian and many more. He's driven by his own philosophy of 'humanistic capitalism'. Unlike many capitalists though, he thinks far into the future. The old workshops of the company in Solomeo are kept in a way that they could be returned into residential apartments should the company no longer need them. The spaces are currently being used, however, to train future generations of artisans. 'I'm not concerned about who will buy luxury in the future, I'm concerned about who will make it,' Cucinelli says. The School of Contemporary High Craftsmanship and Arts opened in 2013 offers programmes which directly support the company's outputs, such as pattern cutting, tailoring and mending, but also horticulture, gardening and masonry, skills which he believes need preserving for the wider world. Since Brunello Cucinelli went public in 2012, its market capitalisation has grown from €530 million to €6.5 billion, a dream come true for any entrepreneur. However, it's clear from what he's done with this fortune over the past 15 years that his dreams go bigger than business success, bigger than the company itself and bigger than his own lifetime. As he collects his honorary doctorate in architecture he muses about his own company, but also calls on the room to consider the impact of their own actions, saying: 'The future is not wholly ours, nor is it wholly not ours.'
Metro
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Is Billie Piper the 16th Doctor? Everything we know about her surprise return
Ncuti Gatwa regenerated into Billie Piper in Doctor Who season finale – so what could this mean? (Picture: BBC) Another season of Doctor Who is over with Ncuti Gatwa bowing out as the 15th Doctor and handing the Tardis over to… Billie Piper? The end of the season two finale, The Reality War, packed a shocking punch after an unannounced regeneration. The episode ended on Ncuti transforming into the former Rose Tyler star – who declared 'oh, hello' to the camera with a beaming grin. As Whovians across the country let out a united gasp, the episode rolled to credits with the ominous phrasing: 'Introducing Billie Piper.' Although many naturally jumped to the conclusion that she would be the next Doctor, she has not officially been labelled as such through any official channels. Get personalised updates on Doctor Who 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. Piper, 42, played assistant Rose full time from 2005 to 2006 opposite Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, and then returned for season four before appearing as The Moment in the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special. Billie Piper is widely beloved for her portrayal as the reboot's first companion, Rose Tyler (Picture: BBC) On social media the actor teased that 'who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see' when talking about her sudden reappearance in the Whoniverse. Meanwhile, the BBC added: 'Just how and why she [Billie Piper] is back remains to be seen…' as showrunner Russell T Davies echoed 'quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told'. So here are all the ways the show could use her character. The 16th Doctor We had to kick off the list with the most obvious answer (Picture: BBC) Perhaps the simplest answer is that she is the 16th Doctor. It's certainly not the first time the show has brought back a familiar face to play the titular Time Lord. The 12th Doctor was played by Peter Capaldi who guest starred as an innocent civillian rescued by the Doctor in season four episode, Fires of Pompeii – with the show intertexturally confirming that the use of the face was the remind the Doctor of who he was, someone who saves lives. And, of course, the 14th Doctor was played by David Tennant who ended up reuniting with Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) where he continues to live now after Ncuti's version bi-generated out of him (which could come to play in a later theory…) If she is the Doctor then how long she sticks around, and why she chose this face, remains to be seen. She could even be an out-of-traditional-order Doctor as we've seen before with Jo Martin who plays the Fugitive Doctor and John Hurt as the War Doctor. A cameo This would definitely be a cheekier move from Russell if it comes true but the episode ended with the Doctor still surrounded by regeneration energy. There is always the possbility that the Doctor is cycling through various faces – all of which are familiar – before settling on their final 16th Doctor visage. Hey, we could even see a reunion between the 14th Doctor and whoever this is with Rose's face! How long Billie would stick around if this is the case would wildly fluctuate but it would also open the avenue for other returning faces such as Carol Anne Ford (whose storyline remains up in the air after her season two cameo as granddaughter Susan) to have their moment in the limelight. Rose Tyler Of course, we can't discount that the original Rose Tyler has somehow returned. This is supported by Piper's Instagram post celebrating her return to Doctor Who which she captioned: 'A rose is a rose is a rose !!!'. As far as we are aware, Rose is trapped in a parallel universe with the Meta Crisis Doctor (the face and intelligence of the 10th Doctor with a human life-span) but could she have been pushed back into this universe? Not only is this not the first time she would have travelled between the two but also some keen eyed fans have noted that the reality salvaged out of Conrad's wishes had subtle differences including a change in Norway and Sweden's border which has moved seven miles. Coincidentally, Norway is the last place Rose was dropped off (at the iconic Bad Wolf Bay). What's more, the Doctor died pushing his energy through the Time Vortex to save Poppy. The last person to tamper with that was… you guessed it… Rose Tyler during the season one finale, The Parting of Ways. The Moment/Bad Wolf Billie Piper's character also has ties to The Moment and Bad Wolf which could be making a return with her as a vessel (Picture: PA) This leads us nicely onto the other forms that Rose has taken in the series that could be making a return – once more thanks to Rose's imprint on the Time Vortex. First, is the ongoing Bad Wolf motif – scattered throughout the universe to lead Rose back to the Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) to save him and destroy all the Daleks. The Bad Wolf motif then made a return in season four when the barries between the universes were dissolving and Rose returned once more to help the Doctor defeat creator of the Daleks, Davros. Meanwhile, in the Doctor Who 50th anniversary, Piper returned as the physical manifestation of The Moment – a powerful and dangerous weapon that the Doctor planned to use to end the Last Time War and annihilate his race. Could we be seeing a physical manifestation of Bad Wolf or the Moment once more? The Tardis Some fans have even posed she could be the Tardis itself (Picture: BBC) Last, but not least, there is the possibility that The Tardis itself has been unleashed, as posed by one Reddit user, Valha28. The user argued that after being given a shot of the Tardis console fading; Rose being the last person to stare into the heart of the Tardis; and immediately saying hello in surprise it could very well be she's taken physical form as Rose. It wouldn't be the first time the Tardis has transformed into a human. Suranne Jones played her in The Doctor's Wife in season six so there is precedent. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now. 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. Arrow MORE: 7 best shows to binge if you're already missing Doctor Who after finale Arrow MORE: Is Ncuti Gatwa leaving? Our Doctor Who experts know who should take over Arrow MORE: Doctor Who is wasted on Disney – ditch it or it risks dying
Pink Villa
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Doctor Who Season 2 Ending Explained: Has Billie Piper Returned and Why Did Ncuti Gatwa Exit?
The Doctor Who Season 2 finale, titled The Reality War, brought major changes to the Whoniverse. The mystery behind the destruction of Earth on May 24, 2025, was finally solved, but the episode ended with a big twist. The 15th Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, regenerates and is replaced by a familiar face: Billie Piper. This marks the end of Gatwa's time as the Doctor after just two seasons, which the actor confirmed in a behind-the-scenes video. "Yes, this is the end of my Doctor," Gatwa said. While it's a short run, his Doctor had just started to find his place. What Happened in The Reality War? The episode picks up from the Wish World cliffhanger, with Anita (Steph de Whalley) saving the Doctor from his fall. Now promoted to manager of the Time Hotel, Anita has access to a key that opens doors to any time. However, on May 24, 2025, the hotel is destabilized due to the Earth's collapse on that date. With Anita's help, the Doctor wakes UNIT from their Wish World illusion. They return to fight the Rani (Archie Panjabi), Mrs. Flood (Anita Dobson), and Conrad (Jonah Hauer-King). The Rani plans to revive Omega to create a new Gallifrey and a new Time Lord race, as the Master's destruction of Gallifrey left survivors infertile, except for the Doctor and Belinda's daughter, Poppy. Despite the contradiction, Poppy is proven real. The Doctor tasks Susan Triad (Susan Twist) with building a Zero Room to keep Belinda and Poppy safe. After Omega is defeated, Belinda and Poppy return, but Poppy vanishes and is forgotten by the Doctor and Belinda. Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) notices this and begs the Doctor to fix it. The 15th Doctor tries to shift time using his regeneration energy. Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor appears briefly to stop him, warning that it could destroy reality. "It could end everything," she says, but gives in when the 15th Doctor explains what's at stake. After believing Poppy is safe and realizing she was never his daughter, the 15th Doctor regenerates. The twist? His new face is Billie Piper, who played companion Rose Tyler in earlier seasons. "Oh, hello," she says, recognizing her own face. The credits list Piper as Introducing Billie Piper, not as the Doctor. This raises questions. Is she really the 16th Doctor, or another Bad Wolf moment? Fans are speculating whether this is a glitch, a tease for something bigger, or just nostalgia.
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
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. 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!". 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. 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. 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. "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. 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. 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!" 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". 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's momentous interview with Britain's Duke of York.
Deccan Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
Ncuti Gatwa bids farewell to 'Doctor Who'
The finale episode, titled 'The Reality War', was split into two parts and saw Gatwa's Doctor facing off against the Rani in a high-stakes battle to save Earth. In a dramatic turn, the Doctor sacrificed himself to save a young girl.
