Latest news with #Whoniverse
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Billie Piper reveals major change for Doctor Who two decades after her debut
Billie Piper was 'revealed' as the next Doctor when the latest series ended in May - and is set to reprise her role as Rose Tyler in a new audio drama series Billie Piper has said making Doctor Who now would be 'completely different' to when she first appeared on the BBC show 20 years ago. The 42-year-old joined as Rose Tyler, the companion to Christopher Eccleston, back in 2005. She remained on the show for another series in 2006 and returned for a special cameo appearance in 2010. Though details have yet to formally be announced, it's thought she will be the next Doctor if a new series is made. It comes after Ncuti Gatwa's shock exit during the finale of the latest series when his character regenerated into Billie in his final episode, which aired in May. If she is, Billie will make history as the second female actor ever to play the Doctor. So far, Jodie Whittaker is the only female to take on the iconic role. But before that, Billie is set to reunite with former Doctor Ecclestone for a new audio drama titled The Ninth Doctor Adventures. Speaking to Doctor Who magazine, Billie reflected on their previous time working together and said: "If we just made the Doctor Who that we made 20 years ago now, it would feel slightly disingenuous, because things were so different then, even 20 years ago, to what we're experiencing, what we've seen, what we've been exposed to since. "God, we were so much more positive then. People have been profoundly affected by the material they see on social media. And it's been so normalised; everyone is a lot more heavy-hearted." She added: "It's not to say that we don't have a capacity for joy, because I think we absolutely do, but to ignore where we are right now... it's a completely different experience." Instead, The Ninth Doctor Adventures audio series will feature the Doctor and Rose. Set within the timeline of their original season together from 20 years ago, fans will be treated to 12 new stories. And it might not be long before Billie is back on TV screens. Appearing to confirm she is the new Doctor, she said in a statement last month: "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." Asked if she would ever make a comeback in an interview filmed weeks before the news was officially announced, she said: "Yeah I would… I would come back. What's funny is that I never feel like I've left Doctor Who, because there is this huge Doctor Who afterlife." She continued: "Obviously people still really want to talk about it, it's a massive fandom, so we do conventions and we meet lots of the fans, and there's always features. It's always on the TV on some channel, and a new generation pick it up, so it never feels like it's over, like it does with all the other jobs I've done." It's been reported that the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant, could also return to the TV show. A source told The Sun: "The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. "David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in a golden age of Doctor Who. With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about, with the thought of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah. 'It wouldn't be beyond the realms of imagination for him to return with Billie as Rose for a one-off special to celebrate not only their partnership, but the anniversary of BBC bringing back Doctor Who."
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ncuti Gatwa shares reason for quitting Doctor Who after just two years
Ncuti Gatwa has opened up about his decision to walk away from playing Doctor Who - having lasted just two seasons in the high profile role and after ratings bombed Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has insisted he quit his role as the Time Lord as he feels too old to keep playing the part. At 32, the Rwandan-Scottish actor is on the younger side of some of the stars who have played The Doctor. Christopher Eccleston was 41 when he took on the role in 2005, David Tennant was 34 when he took the part later that same year, and Peter Capaldi was 55 when he took over the role in 2013. Ncuti lasted just two seasons in the role, taking on the part of the Fifteenth Doctor in 2023 only to bow out in June this year in a shock twist. Fans were stunned to see him regenerate at the end of an episode, as his departure had not been previously announced. And jaws dropped even more when Billie Piper, who played Rose Tyler on the show on and off from 2005 until 2010, emerged in his place instead. But speaking to the BBC 's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme this weekend, Ncuti claimed his tired old early 30s body meant it was time for him to walk away from the Tardis. He told the political journalist: 'I'm getting old, and my body was tired… and I've now just started doing some ballet, so I'm making really great decisions. 'It's the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of and – because it's so good – it's strenuous. It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time.' Asked if he would ever return to the show, he teased: 'Never say never.' Fans were shocked when Ncuti departed the series this year. The show had attracted fierce criticism over politically charged storylines, and ratings had tanked since the actor took over the role. The BBC had signed a lucrative deal with Disney to co-fund the long-running series, only for viewers to switch off despite the cash injection. After his shock exit, Ncuti issued a statement declaring his love for the franchise. He said in June: '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.' Meanwhile, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, 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!' It is unclear if or when Doctor Who will return following the disastrous most recent run of episodes. Fans fear the series could be axed completely after new episodes underperformed - while some rumours have suggested the show could be put on ice until 2027.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is Doctor Who Reunion Inevitable? Did Cleaning Lady Kiss Leave You Cold? How Would SNL Have Handled Trump/ Musk Break-Up? More TV Qs!
We've got questions, and you've (maybe) got answers! With another week of TV gone by, we're lobbing queries left and right about Doctor Who, The Cleaning Lady, Law & Order: Organized Crime and more! 1 | Given that David Tennant is still playing a Doctor in the Whoniverse, what are the odds that — in any potential new season of — Fourteen will cross paths with whomever/whatever Tennant's former on-screen companion, Billie Piper, is now playing? More from TVLine Andor Tops Nielsen Streaming Chart With Release of Series Finale; Rogue One Returns to Top 10 Movies The Cleaning Lady, Alert: Missing Persons Unit Both Cancelled at Fox Doctor Who: Varada Sethu Reflects On the End of Her Run, Says 'Mom & Dad Forever' to Ncuti Gatwa 2 | Among the many issues we had with HBO's Mountainhead: When it became clear that his friends were trying to murder him, why couldn't Jeff just call for help? (They all had their phones, and they all have well-paid staffers hovering nearby.) And then the next morning, why did Jeff send his bodyguards away to face his would-be killers without backup? 3 | Given how easily s Dama was dispatched, isn't it kind of ridiculous that Bruegel or Christos or somebody didn't take her out sooner? Also, Animal Kingdom fave Jake Weary had so little to do on Dead City before Christos was killed off that we've gotta ask: What was the point of casting such a good actor in such a nothing role? 4 | What's your best theory as to why 's Kat pretended not to remember Seraphina's name when they'd just talked? And are you surprised that both Conrad and Maeve survived to the end of the season? Also: Harry's going to do something about that kitchen knife sticking out of his pec, right? ▼ And, forgive us, but did anyone else hear 'boobs' when Conrad told Maeve he loved her down to her 'boots' while they were chatting in prison? 5 | Was 's all-time wipeout countdown one of the more entertaining things you've watched on TV this spring? 6 | The Cleaning Lady fans, didn't you wish we'd gotten a little more oomph from that Thony/Jorge kiss in the finale? 7 | Does Zach Braff's description of the in-the-works revival — that JD is now 'beaten down by the system' — make it sound like Bill Lawrence & Co. are hoping to create the comedy version of The Pitt? 8 | Since moneybags Bill cut off Luna, where did the double murderess get the cash to buy that gun? ▼ For that matter, how is she paying for this apartment? 9 | Does really need the whole 'Who is the insider?!' mystery element? (Or without that, is the freshman series a full 100% identical to his half dozen other Fox shows?) 10 | Is it now safe to say that 's Voit has not been faking his amnesia…? And is anyone worried that the road is being paved for him to (gulp) 'join' the BAU next season? 11 | Has forgotten about Elliot's tremors? 12 | When all is said and done, could Jonathan Jackson's much-ballyhooed, nine-month General Hospital encore have been any more underwhelming? 13 | Is this one of those weeks in politics where you really miss what might have done with the big headline? Hit the comments with your answers and any TV Qs of your own! Best of TVLine Young Sheldon Easter Eggs: Every Nod to The Big Bang Theory (and Every Future Reveal) Across 7 Seasons Weirdest TV Crossovers: Always Sunny Meets Abbott, Family Guy vs. Simpsons, Nine-Nine Recruits New Girl and More ER Turns 30: See the Original County General Crew, Then and Now
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Fresh twist for Doctor Who as BBC lines up spin-off series after Ncuti Gatwa's exit - and it's worlds away from the original
A Doctor Who spin-off series is in the works and is set to launch on children's channel Cbeebies - targeting a whole new audience. The pre-school animation series will bring the iconic Doctor to screens for a younger viewers. It comes as Doctor Who was hit with changes in recent times after Ncuti sensationally left the show after just two series playing the iconic science fiction character. TV producer Russell T Davies was the chief writer and executive producer of Doctor Who from 2005 to 2010 and returned in 2023. The latest series was produced by Bad Wolf, who have also produced the likes of Dope Girls, Industry, I Hate Suzie and A Discovery Of Witches. However, the BBC are advertising for a new company to create the series. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. A spin-off series of the popular BBC show is in the works and is set to launch on children's channel Cbeebies. Pictured: Ncuti Gatwa It comes as Doctor Who was hit with changes in recent times after Ncuti sensationally left the show after just two series playing the iconic science fiction character 'The BBC is set to expand the Whoniverse as it launches plans for a brand new pre-school animation series which will see the Doctor's adventures come to CBeebies for the first time ever,' the announcement reads. 'The BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show, that will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends. 'And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way…' BBC boss Patricia Hidalgo described it as an 'exciting opportunity. She said: 'Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor! 'This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format. 'This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK's animation industry.' The show will target a much younger audience than the mainline series As a matter of policy, the BBC invites production companies to pitch for new series when they are announced. Their official guidance explains: 'Since 2016 the BBC has been putting all new business out to competition, and tendering a number of returning network television series made by BBC Studios as part of its commitments in the BBC Charter, which sets out that 100% of relevant television content should be open to competition by the end of 2027. 'These opportunities will be open to any independent production company who meet the eligibility criteria, along with BBC Studios. The criteria will vary by programme, depending on the requirements of the show.' It comes after Ncuti's time on Doctor Who came to an end last month when the curtains were drawn on the most recent season. In a statement released by the BBC Ncuti, said: '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'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor,' he added.
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
BBC announces new Doctor Who series – but with a huge twist
THE BBC have announced a new Doctor Who series - but there is a huge twist. Fans were left stunned last month when bosses replaced Ncuuti Gatwa with former star 5 Ncuuti Gatwa, the show's 15th Doctor, left after just two series Credit: BBC 5 Fans were left shocked when he regenerated at the end of the last episode Credit: PA 5 Billie Piper made a surprising return as the new Dr Who Fans were therefore shocked to see her make a surprising return as outgoing Gatwa, 32, the show's 15th Doctor, left It is unclear if Piper's role will be a permanent move. DR Who Her character remained with Showrunner Instead, he just noted: "After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!" And now the BBC is set to expand the Whoniverse as it launches plans for a brand new pre-school animation series which will see the Doctor's adventures come to CBeebies for the first time ever. Most read in News TV The BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show. It will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends. David Tennant tells Doctor Who haters to 'f--k off' in hilarious new The Assembly trailer as he gets a grilling And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way. Speaking about the plans, Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children's and Education said: 'Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor! "This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format. "This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK's animation industry.' Meanwhile, i nsiders say at the end of the latest series was understood to be teeing up a A source said: 'The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. 'David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in a golden age of 'With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about, with the thought of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah. 'When David's Doctor bi-generated in the 60th anniversary special, his 'half' went on to live a normal life in an alternative universe while Ncuti Gatwa's carried on as the Time Lord. 'It wouldn't be beyond the realms of imagination for him to return with Billie as Rose for a one-off special to celebrate not only their partnership but the anniversary of BBC bringing back Doctor Who.' In a twist, he then returned as the 14th The Sun revealed last month that And after the final episode, Ncuti said: 'I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved 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.' Doctor Who's future is still undecided, with the BBC now waiting to see if Disney+ — which pumped millions of pounds into the show — will renew its deal. Ratings for the sci-fi staple have plummeted since Tennant left, with overnight peak viewing figures dropping as low as 1.6million. Many fans of the show complained it had gone 'woke'. Meanwhile, Whovians are waiting to see if Billie is the new, 16th Doctor or is sidekick Rose again. Shame we can't jump in a Tardis and find out as only time will tell. 5 Billie Piper originally played sidekick Rose Tyler to Christopher Ecclestone's Doctor back in 2005 Credit: Alamy 5 Rose remained with David Tennant's Tenth Doctor, before becoming trapped in a parallel world Credit: Alamy All episodes of Dr Who are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
