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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence on Doctor Who exit after Billie Piper is confirmed as replacement
Scroll down to find out what Ncuti had to say about his Doctor Who departure moving on Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence on Doctor Who exit after Billie Piper is confirmed as replacement Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NCUTI Gatwa has broken his silence on exiting Doctor Who - after Billie Piper was confirmed as his replacement. Viewers watched the Fifteenth Doctor regenerate into a new character played by former Doctor Who star Billie. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Ncuti Gatwa bowed out as Doctor Who's Fifteenth Doctor Credit: PA 3 Viewers were stunned by Billie Piper's shock reappearance Credit: PA 3 Ncuti addressed leaving the BBC show after two series as the Doctor Credit: PA Speaking in a behind-the-scenes video, the 32-year-old explained his reasons for leaving the BBC show. Ncuti said: "It's a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. "The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals. "I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it's time." The star also shared a poignant message to Doctor Who's fans on Instagram. He penned: "Monsters, goblins, gods, human-eating Slugs, invisible brain altering creatures, evil barbers, conspiracy theorists… you've had quite a busy two years. "Well done and rest up son. Thank you endlessly XV." One fan commented: "I could have easily watched 20 seasons with you as the Doctor!" While another shared: "You were a phenomenal Doctor, who truly showed the emotional side that no one could ever portray. Thank you Ncuti." His replacement, Billie, previously played companion Rose Tyler on and off from 2005 to 2010. Billie Piper announced as new Doctor Who as she replaces Ncuti Gatwa in BBC series Fans were left stunned by her shock comeback in the BBC programme's latest episode - although it's unclear if it will be a permanent move. Upon the regeneration, Billie's character mumbled a quick "Oh Hello!" and smiled before the series ended. She said of her return: "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." Last month, The Sun revealed Ncuti's departure from Doctor Who after just two series. He was first announced as the Doctor in 2022, taking over from Jodie Whittaker. Who has starred in Doctor Who? Which actors have portrayed the famous Time Lord over the years? First Doctor: William Hartnell (1963 - 1966) Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton (1966 - 1969) Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee (1970 - 1974) Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker (1974 - 1981) Fifth Doctor: Peter Davidson (1982 - 1984) Sixth Doctor: Colin Baker (1984 - 1986) Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy (1987 - 1989) Eighth Doctor: Paul McGann (1996) Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston (2005) Tenth Doctor: David Tennant (2005 - 2010) 11th Doctor: Matt Smith (2010 - 2013) 12th Doctor: Peter Capaldi (2014 - 2017) 13th Doctor: Jodie Whittaker (2018 - 2022) 14th Doctor: David Tennant (2023) 15th Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa (2023 - present)
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence on Doctor Who exit after Billie Piper is confirmed as replacement
NCUTI Gatwa has broken his silence on exiting Doctor Who - after Billie Piper was confirmed as his replacement. Viewers watched the Fifteenth Doctor regenerate into a new character played by former Doctor Who star Billie. Advertisement 3 Ncuti Gatwa bowed out as Doctor Who's Fifteenth Doctor Credit: PA 3 Viewers were stunned by Billie Piper's shock reappearance Credit: PA 3 Ncuti addressed leaving the BBC show after two series as the Doctor Credit: PA Speaking in a behind-the-scenes video, the 32-year-old explained his reasons for leaving the BBC show. Ncuti said: "It's a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. "The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals. "I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it's time." Advertisement Read more on Doctor Who The star also shared a poignant message to Doctor Who 's fans on Instagram. He penned: "Monsters, goblins, gods, human-eating Slugs, invisible brain altering creatures, evil barbers, conspiracy theorists… you've had quite a busy two years. "Well done and rest up son. Thank you endlessly XV." One fan commented: "I could have easily watched 20 seasons with you as the Doctor!" Advertisement Most read in News TV While another shared: "You were a phenomenal Doctor, who truly showed the emotional side that no one could ever portray. Thank you Ncuti." His replacement, Billie, Billie Piper announced as new Doctor Who as she replaces Ncuti Gatwa in BBC series Fans were left stunned by her shock comeback in the BBC programme's latest episode - although it's unclear if it will be a permanent move. Upon the regeneration, Billie's character mumbled a quick "Oh Hello!" and smiled before the series ended. Advertisement She said of her return: "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." Last month, The Sun Doctor Who after just two series. He was Advertisement Who has starred in Doctor Who? Which actors have portrayed the famous Time Lord over the years? First Doctor: William Hartnell (1963 - 1966) Second Doctor: Patrick Troughton (1966 - 1969) Third Doctor: Jon Pertwee (1970 - 1974) Fourth Doctor: Tom Baker (1974 - 1981) Fifth Doctor: Peter Davidson (1982 - 1984) Sixth Doctor: Colin Baker (1984 - 1986) Seventh Doctor: Sylvester McCoy (1987 - 1989) Eighth Doctor: Paul McGann (1996) Ninth Doctor: Christopher Eccleston (2005) Tenth Doctor: David Tennant (2005 - 2010) 11th Doctor: Matt Smith (2010 - 2013) 12th Doctor: Peter Capaldi (2014 - 2017) 13th Doctor: Jodie Whittaker (2018 - 2022) 14th Doctor: David Tennant (2023) 15th Doctor: Ncuti Gatwa (2023 - present)
Metro
13 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
Western Telegraph
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Ncuti Gatwa shares emotional post after leaving Doctor Who
Gatwa's 15th Doctor regenerated in Saturday's finale (May 31), and regenerated into the returning Billie Piper. In a statement provided by the BBC, the Scottish-Rwandan actor said the "journey has been one that I will never forget". Now, he has shared a social media post thanking co-stars Millie Gibson and Varada Sethu. Gatwa regenerating in his final episode of Doctor Who (Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/PA) Ncuti Gatwa shares emotional post after leaving Doctor Who Gibson played Ruby Sunday and was the main companion in Gatwa's first series as the 15th Doctor. Her character appeared less frequently in the second series, with Varada Sethu's Belinda Chandra taking the mantle as the new companion. Taking to Instagram, Gatwa shared a picture of the trio, and said: "Three queens of the sky, "Twas an experience like no other and thank God we were by eachothers side. "There aren't quite the words for how much you both mean to me but I am so grateful I got the opportunity to work, learn from and laugh with you both everyday. "You're both just simply incredible and it has been nothing short of a blessing to share this journey with both of you. "Ruby Sunday and Belinda Chandra will live in mine and the Whoniverse hearts forever. "Also shout out to the CAPTAIN of all 15's companions. Captain Poppy. Ultimate top dog of this season! (lil Sienna brought so much life and magic to us all on set ) I love you guys. We did it." It was the first of two Instagram posts Gatwa has shared since his exit. The second was a picture of himself in the TARDIS, with the caption: "Monsters, goblins, gods, human-eating Slugs, invisible brain-altering creatures, evil barbers, conspiracy theorists… you've had quite a busy two years. Well done and rest up son. "@bbcdoctorwho @disneydoctorwho @russelltdavies63 @bad_wolf_tv Thank you endlessly. XV." Doctor Who: All Fifteen Doctors in Order In a statement released by the BBC, on his decision to leave, 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.' Is Billie Piper the new Doctor on Doctor Who? After Gatwa's exit, the 15th Doctor is seen regenerating into Billie Piper. 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. She stayed on and was the companion to the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant. However, despite her introduction on the show, it has not been confirmed she is the 16th Doctor. Some fans are also not convinced, with the end credits reading: "And introducing Billie Piper." Many compared this to when Ncuti Gatwa was introduced as the 15th Doctor, when it read: "And introducing Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor." Previous actors have also received similar credit introductions. "Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor" "Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor" "And introducing Billie Piper" ...but NO "as The Doctor" I FIND THAT VERY SUS. — Ben (He/Him) (@BenDW96) May 31, 2025 One said on X (formerly Twitter): "Billie Piper wasn't introduced as the Doctor, and this year was the 20th anniversary of Series 1... There's definitely more to this..." Another said: "She's clearly not the Doctor but some Bad Wolf shenanigans." Fueling speculation on her role in the show, Doctor Who TV simply says: "But just how and why she is back remains to be seen…" Recommended reading: On her return, 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 !!!' If she is confirmed as The Doctor, Piper will be the second after Jody Whittaker's 13th Doctor.
Glasgow Times
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Ncuti Gatwa shares emotional post after leaving Doctor Who
Gatwa's 15th Doctor regenerated in Saturday's finale (May 31), and regenerated into the returning Billie Piper. In a statement provided by the BBC, the Scottish-Rwandan actor said the "journey has been one that I will never forget". Now, he has shared a social media post thanking co-stars Millie Gibson and Varada Sethu. Gatwa regenerating in his final episode of Doctor Who (Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/PA) Ncuti Gatwa shares emotional post after leaving Doctor Who Gibson played Ruby Sunday and was the main companion in Gatwa's first series as the 15th Doctor. Her character appeared less frequently in the second series, with Varada Sethu's Belinda Chandra taking the mantle as the new companion. Taking to Instagram, Gatwa shared a picture of the trio, and said: "Three queens of the sky, "Twas an experience like no other and thank God we were by eachothers side. "There aren't quite the words for how much you both mean to me but I am so grateful I got the opportunity to work, learn from and laugh with you both everyday. "You're both just simply incredible and it has been nothing short of a blessing to share this journey with both of you. "Ruby Sunday and Belinda Chandra will live in mine and the Whoniverse hearts forever. "Also shout out to the CAPTAIN of all 15's companions. Captain Poppy. Ultimate top dog of this season! (lil Sienna brought so much life and magic to us all on set ) I love you guys. We did it." It was the first of two Instagram posts Gatwa has shared since his exit. The second was a picture of himself in the TARDIS, with the caption: "Monsters, goblins, gods, human-eating Slugs, invisible brain-altering creatures, evil barbers, conspiracy theorists… you've had quite a busy two years. Well done and rest up son. "@bbcdoctorwho @disneydoctorwho @russelltdavies63 @bad_wolf_tv Thank you endlessly. XV." Doctor Who: All Fifteen Doctors in Order In a statement released by the BBC, on his decision to leave, 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.' Is Billie Piper the new Doctor on Doctor Who? After Gatwa's exit, the 15th Doctor is seen regenerating into Billie Piper. 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. She stayed on and was the companion to the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant. However, despite her introduction on the show, it has not been confirmed she is the 16th Doctor. Some fans are also not convinced, with the end credits reading: "And introducing Billie Piper." Many compared this to when Ncuti Gatwa was introduced as the 15th Doctor, when it read: "And introducing Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor." Previous actors have also received similar credit introductions. "Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor" "Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor" "And introducing Billie Piper" ...but NO "as The Doctor" I FIND THAT VERY SUS. — Ben (He/Him) (@BenDW96) May 31, 2025 One said on X (formerly Twitter): "Billie Piper wasn't introduced as the Doctor, and this year was the 20th anniversary of Series 1... There's definitely more to this..." Another said: "She's clearly not the Doctor but some Bad Wolf shenanigans." Fueling speculation on her role in the show, Doctor Who TV simply says: "But just how and why she is back remains to be seen…" Recommended reading: On her return, 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 !!!' If she is confirmed as The Doctor, Piper will be the second after Jody Whittaker's 13th Doctor.
