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Metro
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
I love Billie Piper but her return proves Doctor Who is doomed
When Ncuti Gatwa regenerated into Billie Piper at the end of the Doctor Who finale, I let out a shocked gasp, quickly followed by a despairing groan. As a huge Rose Tyler fan, you would think I would have been overjoyed. I still vividly remember younger-me crying my eyes out when Billie's character was trapped in a parallel universe in Doomsday. And my sheer excitement at her return during season four, which was delicately teased through the 11 episodes before culminating in an all-star finale (the groundwork for which had also been done with respective spin-offs Torchwood and Sarah Jane Adventures). Hey, I was practically vibrating off my cinema seat – sonic screwdriver clutched in hand – when Billie appeared as The Moment in the Doctor Who 50th anniversary. 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. I'm even tempted to delve into the recently announced Big Finish audio stories featuring the Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) and Rose's adventures together. If there's one thing I'm all for, it's a tasteful cameo from a beloved member of the Whoniverse and the chance for viewers to check in with a fan-favourite. After all, you need some perks to having a franchise with a rich 60-year history populated with endearing friends and fearsome foes. However, there is a time and place for this style of fan service. For me, Billie Piper's implied return as the 16th Doctor (although the BBC has yet to confirm that is her role) represents everything wrong with Doctor Who right now. I already felt like David Tennant's return as the 14th Doctor for a three-episode 60th anniversary stint was pushing it slightly. His reprise overshadowed Jodie Whittaker's exit as the first female Doctor, after all. In the end, I decided to shake off my hesitation, indulge in his brief return, and instead concentrate on my excitement for Ncuti Gatwa, who I was sure would breathe new life into the show. Despite showing such promise with his vibrant performance, several thought-provoking episodes and ambitious season-long arcs, ultimately, it felt like the chance to push the sci-fi series into a new era was completely fumbled. We only got 18 episodes with the 15th Doctor (split between two surface-level companions), making his ending feel alarmingly rushed. As his run came to an end, I found myself tearing up not from the bittersweet nature of regeneration (as I had for Doctors like Matt Smith and Jodie Whittaker) but because I hadn't fallen as deeply in love with him as I had hoped. I'd simply not had the time. This was only compounded when Billie appeared at the very end. It felt like a gut punch. Two steps back after dangling the promise of more in front of us. Frankly, as much as I love Billie, it feels like the antithesis of what the show is all about – a constantly evolving, forward-looking series that pays homage to the past while still soldiering on with a defiant march. Immediately, my mind started whirring with possibilities. Either she isn't actually the Doctor, and the upcoming episodes will be caught in an exposition-filled, convoluted plotline that ties itself in knots – something eight-year-old me would be totally baffled by and probably switch off. Or she will be the 16th Doctor, which likely results in a reduced run (leading to yet another lightning-fast regeneration), which ultimately takes the chance away from a fresh face to control the Tardis. Even if there was a chance at a meaty, well-thought-out plotline with Billie's character, after how showrunner Russell T Davies has squandered Ncuti, Millie and Varada's potential, I'm not sure I trust him to fulfil it. I'm not interested in niche returning villains who only have 20 minutes of screentime or a companion (who already has their happy ending) returning yet again for a wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey run. I mean, I cried about Amy and Rory's exit from the show for days but while I would love them to make a fleeting cameo again at some point, I know in my heart it would destroy their story arc if they suddenly reappeared as main cast once again. The show needs to stop focusing on what it thinks fans want and give us what we need: A refreshing, fleshed-out Doctor-companion dynamic that is preoccupied with bold new character work and exciting monster-of-the-week adventures – the bread and butter of Doctor Who. In fact, my favourite aspects of Ncuti's run were episodes like Rogue and Lux that offered this format (as opposed to whatever was trying to be achieved with those overstuffed finales). I can't see a world in which Billie's return to the show offers this and with this decision, Doctor Who may have lost a whole new generation of viewers who become obsessed with the show by growing attached to their own formative Doctor-and-companion duo. More Trending As a longtime fan, I will tune in to see how Billie's return pans out, albeit reluctantly. Since I have a soft spot for Doctor Who, I will try and give it a chance, as Billie deserves. If anyone can pull it off, it is her. However, I can't help but mourn everything the show could have been if Ncuti had stuck around or even everything we will lose by not having a new actor who can stick it out for the long haul to bring back the charm that has won over scores of loyal children for decades. At least for a little while, it's time to put the past to bed and allow the show to flourish doing what it does best – offering bright new stories that encompass the vast expanse of the universe. View More » Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below.
Metro
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
7 best shows to binge if you're already missing Doctor Who after finale
The second season of Doctor Who's run with Ncuti Gatwa came to an end this Saturday, capping off a batch of episodes that introduced a new companion and forever changed the show's lore. It was a lot of take in, as we travelled along through eight episodes trying to return Belinda (Varada Sethu) to her home planet. So if, like us, you're reeling from the two-part finale in the Tardis, we have some palate cleanser TV shows you can turn to while we wait for news of what is next in the Whoniverse. We don't yet know when – or even (gulp) if – the beloved BBC show will be back on air. So what better time to get stuck into something similar? We've compiled a list of shows to turn to in your time of need, some of which even feature characters Whovians will already know. 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. From Doctor Who spin-offs to shows that are just a bit timey-wimey, here are seven options to fill that Tardis-shaped hole in your life. This a Doctor Who spin-off for the younger ones in the house, starring one of the most beloved companions to ever travel across the universe at the Doctor's side. Sarah Jane Smith, played by the late great Elisabeth Sladen, joined the Third and Fourth Doctors in the 70s. This might have first aired on CBBC, but it has everything an adult Whovian can enjoy – including guest appearances from David Tennant and Matt Smith. This answers the question of what becomes of those the Doctor has crossed paths with and teases the possibility that there's always a Slitheen or the Judoon just around the corner, even on a humdrum suburban street. The Sarah Jane Adventures is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Another hit Doctor Who spin-off, but Torchwood is definitely not for kids. This is Doctor Who with a dark, sexy and violent rebrand – in this instance, you might have to tune in to get a sense of what we mean. The BBC miniseries stars the Ninth Doctor's companion Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) and his team at the covert Torchwood Institute, which is much like UNIT in today's Who, and lends a hand to fend aliens off from humanity when the Doctor is otherwise indisposed. That is, when they're not dealing with heaps of personal drama at the institute. The third season Torchwood: Children of Earth is a must-see for any tried and tested Whovian. Torchwood is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Over a decade since it first aired, Sherlock was pure appointment viewing at the time. If you didn't tune it, how would you avoid being spoiled the following day? But if you somehow missed the moment and are in need of a brainbox-led show like Doctor Who, who's brainier than Sherlock Holmes? Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the aloof, scarf-toting genius and has Martin Freeman as Watson, forever side-eyeing next to him. The cast popping up along the way is exceptional and the writing superb. Just try not to feel too inferior to Holmes when you fail to crack the case. Sherlock is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Have you ever watched a Jurassic Park film and thought, I wish I could hang out with these dinosaurs more? Enter Primeval. Truly a hidden gem, this sci-fi show from ITV sees a professor and his prehistoric-obsessed team track down and capture dangerous dinosaurs as they manage to slip through a rip in time from the past. There are too many good episodes to pick from. When a vicious sabre-toothed dinosaur breaks into a Go Ape-type park? Loved it. When a huge water dino gets into London's plumbing? Yikes. When a pack of velociraptors break into a mall? Run, don't walk, to your TV screens now. Primeval is available to stream on Now. If you have yet to come across Misfits, you lucky thing – what a treat you have in store. The Channel 4 dark comedy finds a ragtag group of young offenders suddenly struck by mysterious cosmic lightning while doing community service, which leaves them each with a special superpower. The premise gets 10 points for originality. Except this lot aren't about world saving. They're out for themselves. A foul-mouth twist on the superhero genre, those who enjoy Torchwood will also likely feel at home with this. The Umbrella Academy's Robert Sheehan is a stand-out as the immortal Nathan. Misfits is available to stream on Channel 4. Netflix's time travelling murder mystery Bodies stars Stephen Graham, of recent Adolescent success on the streaming platform. Given that he's one of the best actors working at the moment, we can rest assured this is going to be at least a base level of good. Graham's detectives grapples with four killings in four different timelines, in an adaptation of the late Si Spencer's graphic novel from 2015. The show bends time and genres in an ambitious set of episodes that have certain teething pains, but definitely puts a new spin on the detective drama. One for those who love something timey-wimey. Bodies is available to stream on Netflix. When you're watching a Doctor Who episode with a brilliant concept that doesn't quite come together, you might be left thinking, what would this have looked like in Charlie Brooker's hands? Netflix's dark tech hit has some surprising genetic similarities to the BBC stalwart, given they're essentially telling anthology stories. When Black Mirror and Doctor Who both started to take fantastical turns in recent seasons, the mystery-of-the-week similarities became even clearer. Which begs the question, Black Mirror x Doctor Who episode when? From the most recent seventh season of episodes on Streamberry – sorry, Netflix – start with 'Common People' if you want to be glum in an existential way, then end with 'Eulogy' if you want to be glum in a moving way. Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix. A bit of a curveball to end the list, but this is one for the Ncuti Gatwa converts. More Trending There are some fans who perhaps didn't know much about the Scottish actor before he stepped into the Tardis, but it was on Sex Education where he first made a name for himself. Watching his fabulous character Eric in the sex positive teen drama on Netflix makes it clear why Gatwa was cast as the Doctor. He's at turns funny, moving and an eternal scene-stealer. What's more, the show is an absolute delight and with an up-and-coming who's who cast, it's essentially become the British Euphoria. View More » Sex Education is available to stream on Netflix. 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: Celebrity Race Across the World 'signs up' beloved Strictly duo MORE: Netflix fans lap up new number 1 film based on shocking real-life murder MORE: Strictly star says show left her in more pain than childbirth
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Buffy star addresses Doctor Who return despite Russell T Davies' blunt four-word response
Buffy star addresses Doctor Who return despite Russell T Davies' blunt four-word response The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star formerly appeared in Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood. James Marsters starred opposite John Barrowman in Torchwood James Marsters, renowned for his role as vampire Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has disclosed his eagerness about potentially re-entering the Doctor Who universe. The actor, who's looking forward to the Buffy revival featuring Ryan Kiera Armstrong as the newest slayer, expressed his appreciation for Torchwood in an exclusive interview with Reach. The new chapter of Buffy will also see a return of Sarah Michelle Gellar in her famed role and behind the scenes as an Executive Producer, with Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao at the helm for the initial pilot episode. Despite being iconic for his portrayal in Buffy, avid Doctor Who followers distinctly remember Marsters for his part as Captain John Hart in the spin-off, Torchwood, in the explosive episode Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. Season 2's opening instalment unveiled Captain John, a past lover and associate of Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), and it was a role written specifically with Marsters in mind. James Marsters played Captain John Hart in Torchwood Article continues below Ncuti Gatwa pulls out of Eurovision amid ban controversy READ MORE: Presently, Marsters has spoken on the prospect of joining the latest series of Doctor Who, having formerly made an appearance in its sister show, reports Surrey Live. He revealed: 'I actually asked Russell (T Davies) about this, if I could come on Doctor Who, and he said, 'No way in hell.' Chuckling at the blunt four-word response, Marsters continued: 'I was like, 'Why?' And he said 'You're too naughty. Your character is way too naughty for Who. Torchwood was my four goals only treatment of the Who Universe. And then Doctor Who has a wide audience. '[He said]: 'Both adults and children are watching that, and your character's way too edgy for it.' And I said, 'So don't make me so naughty.' And he said, 'There would be nothing left of your character if we did that! All your character has is naughty, that's the whole point.' 'So that's what he said back when we were filming Torchwood,' Marsters added. 'But if he ever changed his mind I would love to be Captain John again. That was a really fun character, and I think we offended all the right people with Torchwood, so that would be fun to do again.' James Marsters played Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reflecting on the mischievous roles he often finds himself in, Marsters pondered: "It's the kind of role that anybody would love to play. That's the best role and I just have to pinch myself that it has kind of been my brand. "I kind of play the jerk who will be there for you in the end," he elaborated. "That's kind of the Han Solo character, you know? "I didn't fall into the Luke Skywalker kind of thing where he's just good all the time - and everybody wants to be Han Solo! "When you were kid, everyone wanted the Star Wars Han Solo blaster and, if you were Luke that's good too, but everyone actually just wants to be Han Solo," he added with a laugh. Regarding the Buffy revival, Marsters remained tight-lipped, but did comment: "I think the world needs Buffy Summers. The world needs that message maybe more than ever. Article continues below "And I think that it's wonderful that Sarah is willing to come back and deliver that message again." All seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer are available to stream now on ITVX.
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Nineties TV legend looks unrecognisable 32 years after teen telly fame as she poses with controversial Doctor Who star
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS nineties TV legend looks totally unrecognisable 32 years after reaching telly fame as a teen. The sitcom star posed alongside a controversial Doctor Who actor at a fan convention in Palm Springs. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 This 90s TV star posed alongside controversial Doctor Who star John Barrowman Credit: Instagram/@johnscotbarrowman/@posephotoops 5 The pair embraced whilst then comically posing in the pics uploaded to John's Instagram Credit: Instagram/@johnscotbarrowman/@posephotoops The 51-year-old rose to fame as a child star in 1989, joining the cast of the High School comedy, Saved by The Bell, where she played Jessie Spano for four years. Now over three decades later, Elizabeth Berkley looks like she's barely aged a day. At a fan convention, Elizabeth posed alongside controversial Doctor Who star John Barrowman. The pair embraced whilst then comically posing in the pics uploaded to John's Instagram. He wrote: 'I had no idea @elizberkley knew who I was. 'She is iconic and an ally. We chatted, laughed and hit some poses. Then the B**** pushed me down the invisible stairs! A new friendship has erupted.' Controversial John was sacked from ITV's Dancing On Ice in 2021 when historical sexual misconduct claims surfaced. He was accused of flashing at the cast on Doctor Who and its spin-off Torchwood where he appeared as Captain Jack Harkness between 2005 and 2011. Elizabeth is no stranger to controversy herself, after leaving Saved By The Bell to try to break into film, she got the role of Nomi Malone in the problematic 1995 film Showgirls. The saucy film which featured extensive nudity was widely slammed by critics, but over the years has gone on to become a cult classic. Star of hit nineties sitcom looks unrecognisable in popular drama - but can you guess who it is? Elizabeth, who has a PhD, went on to become a bestselling author with her self-help book, as well as appearing on the West End and Broadway and in TV shows like CSI: Miami. Fans took to the comments gushing over the pair, one user said: 'Two of my favorite celebrities, this is the collaboration of talent I've always wanted to see' 'Jessie Spano X Captain Jack!' chimed another. 'Love her!! Awesome pictures,' added a third. Other TV shows Elizabeth has appeared on include Titus and most recently the hit Netflix show Cobra Kai starring Ralph Macchio. The mom-of-one shares son Sky with actor, fashion designer and painter Greg Lauren. He is also the the nephew of the world renown fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Greg and Elizabeth tied the knot in 2003 after the duo met at a dance class three years prior. 5 Elizabeth on Saved by The Bell where she played Jessie Spano for four years Credit: Alamy 5 Her on-screen boyfriend was Mario Lopez playing A.C. Slater Credit: Getty
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Britain's Got Talent's Shaheen Jafargholi life now after EastEnders exit and Michael Jackson connection
Hailing from Swansea, singer and actor Shaheen Jafargholi captured the nation's attention with his 2009 audition on Britain's Got Talent, though you might be surprised to learn he already had a string of TV roles to his name before his memorable audition. A graduate of the Mark Jermin Stage School, Shaheen boasted appearances on CBBC's Grandpa in My Pocket and Torchwood, and he even shone as a young Michael Jackson in Thriller Live on stage, all before his acclaimed BGT performance. His BGT audition launched him onto the global scene, but not without a hiccup. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter READ MORE: Doc Martin star Martin Clunes announces death of 'fantastic' co-star live on air READ MORE: Love Island's Tasha Ghouri admits 'I was young' as she reflects on romance with Andrew after split When Shaheen began singing Valerie by Amy Winehouse, Simon Cowell interrupted, asserting that the choice was "getting it really wrong". Prompted by Cowell to switch tracks, Shaheen then delivered a standout rendition of Smokey Robinson's Who's Loving You, receiving plaudits from the judges and a standing ovation at Cardiff's Wales Millennium Centre. Though Shaheen didn't take home the BGT title, finishing sixth after winning dance troop Diversity and Susan Boyle, did little to dampen his stride and in fact was the break he needed. His professional background sparked debate on whether BGT should be 'only open to amateurs', with critics challenging the fairness of his participation. In response, BGT clarified that the competition was 'open to everyone'. After his stint on BGT, Shaheen continued to find success and he even build up a friendship with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. In September 2009, following Michael's sudden death, Shaheen performed I'll Be There at the MOBO Awards. This led to him being invited to sing at Michael Jackson's memorial at the Los Angeles Staples Center in July that year. After his rendition of Who's Loving You by The Jackson 5, Berry Gordy (founder of Motown Records), famously remarked: "I have no cotton pickin' idea who that is, but if I were [still] in the business, I would sign him tomorrow." In 2010, someone did just that, as Shaheen released his debut single, Last Train Home. The track was meant to be part of an album, but to date, the album has not been released. Shaheen's management cited "huge international interest and some overseas opportunities". These 'overseas' opportunities never came to fruition, possibly because Shaheen was about to embark on a new venture in the UK. Shaheen, a trained actor and singer, joined the cast of EastEnders in 2016 as Shakil, the son of Carmel Kazemi, played by Bonnie Langford. His character was involved in several high-profile storylines, including a romance with Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield), involvement in gang crime, and ultimately a stabbing resulted in his character's tragic death. The storyline received widespread praise, with the producers collaborating closely with the Ben Kinsella Trust, established by former EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella following her brother's fatal stabbing. Notably, during Shakil's funeral episode in 2018, real-life families affected by knife crime were featured as mourners. After leaving EastEnders, Shaheen immediately transitioned to another ongoing drama, Casualty, where he portrayed nurse Marty Kirkby. Marty was described as "a confident nurse who has a blunt bedside manner and excellent clinical skills". He had been central to several major storylines, including coming out to his parents, engaging in casual sex with strangers, and contracting HIV. Upon joining the show, Shaheen expressed: "It's an honour to become a small part of this legacy." With his real-life mother working in a hospital, Shaheen often turned to her for assistance with medical terminology and patient communication techniques. The singer-turned-actor has undergone a significant transformation over the years, now sporting a fresh short hairstyle and boasting a unique fashion sense. More recently the actor appeared in the BBC mini series Lost Boys & Fairies as the character Celyn. He said on social media: "Working on this show felt so bloody good for so many reasons. The fact that it was made and set in Wales was one of them." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shaheen Jafargholi (@shaheenjafa) He added: "So grateful to @dafjameswrites for letting me be a part of his story and to live vicariously through 'Celyn'. A job I will never forget." From Britain's Got Talent to Michael Jackson concerts, and from Albert Square to Holby ED, Shaheen Jafargholi is one Welsh star who consistently demonstrates that he's not just a one-hit wonder.
