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Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
What Billie Piper said in the past about Doctor Who being a woman
Billie Piper made a triumphant return to Doctor Who over the weekend, but gave fans more questions than answers. The season two finale The Reality War ended on a universe shattering bombshell with Ncuti Gatwa regenerating and transforming into the former Rose Tyler actress. Whovians are still trying to figure out what it all means, including whether or not she's actually the 16th Doctor. If she is, that would make Billie,42, the second woman to take on the iconic role after 13th Doctor Jodie Whittaker, who also made a surprise appearance in the episode. However, it seems Billie, 42, hasn't always been on board with the idea of a woman in control of the TARDIS. 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 don't think the Doctor should be a woman,' she initially told HELLO! in 2009, likening it to James Bond. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video She added: 'Forgive me, I know it's not a feminist thing to say, but it's like saying, 'Let's make James Bond a woman'. It's a man's role.' Eight years later, her stance had changed and she showed a change of heart, the same year Jodie was cast. She told the BBC: 'I think it would be great [to have a female Doctor] given the spirit of the world at the moment. I think it would be timely.' Billie played assistant Rose full time from 2005 to 2006 opposite Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, and later returned for season four before appearing as The Moment in the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special. It's still unclear whether or not she actually is the Doctor or not for her new stint, as the he episode rolled to credits on Saturday with the curious phrasing: 'Introducing Billie Piper.' And despite many fans naturally jumping to conclusions about her being Ncuti's successor as the Time Lord, she has not actually been labelled as such through any official channels. On social media she reflected on her return and teased 'who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see'. And the BBC added: 'Just how and why she [Billie Piper] is back remains to be seen…' while showrunner Russell T Davies echoed 'quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told'. More Trending Regardless, she has the backing of Ncuti. After sharing a nod to her original character Rose upon her return to the show, the departing Doctor reshared it on his story and wrote: 'Legend. Icon.' She wrote on her own Instagram story: 'Joy to the world Ncuti Gatwa. You were/are bloody brilliant. Truly memorable, big on feels. Utterly mesmerising.' View More » Doctor Who is available to stream on 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: 7 best shows to binge if you're already missing Doctor Who after finale MORE: Doctor Who is wasted on Disney – ditch it or it risks dying MORE: The Doctor Who finale will 'shock and terrify' — here's what parents need to know
Metro
2 days 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
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa issues heartfelt message to fans after shock exit
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has shared a sweet statement on social media after exiting the Tardis. The 32-year-old actor gutted (and surprised) fans after regenerating into returning star Billie Piper at the end of his season two finale on Saturday night after a dramatic conclusion to his and Belinda's eight-episode arc. This meant that after only two seasons, much to the dismay of Whovians everywhere, we had to say goodbye to his Doctor after only 16 episodes and two-and-a-half specials. Especially since his exit from the show was not announced beforehand – as is usually the case when one Doctor is set to leave – it made it even more of a plot twist. In an official Instagram post he shared images with his two companions Ruby Sunday and Belinda Chandra (Millie Gibson and Varada Sehtu) 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. He wrote: '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 After the official BBC Doctor Who actor uploaded a picture of Gatwa as the Doctor in the Tardis with the caption of two broken hearts (as a nod to the Time Lord's unique physiology) and a fire emoji, the Sex Education star reposted it on his Instagram story. He added the caption: 'Thank you for it all, 15,' with a rocket emoji. The episode also involved his former companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) who shared her own farewell message on Instagram of the image of the two of them across their shared episodes. '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 ;) More Trending 'Thank you for taking me to the stars. Love, Ruby roo,' she wrote. Gatwa also reposted this, saying: 'My Ruby Roo.' Elsewhere in the heartbreaking finale, he shared a scene with 13th Doctor Jodie Whittaker adding that it 'was beyond a flipping honour and joy to work with legendary Jodie'. In an official BBC statement 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. View More » MORE: Doctor Who fans notice glaring issue with Billie Piper's shock return MORE: 7 best shows to binge if you're already missing Doctor Who after finale MORE: Is Ncuti Gatwa leaving? Our Doctor Who experts know who should take over
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ncuti Gatwa gives real reason he quit Doctor Who as fans say it 'wasn't planned'
Ncuti Gatwa shocked Doctor Who fans last night during the BBC show's big finale, which revealed that the star would be leaving the role of The Doctor after just two series Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa is set to go down in the show's 62 year history for many reasons but one reason being as one of the few actors who served the shortest time. After just two series of the iconic sci-fi drama, Ncuti shared with fans that he was stepping down from his role as the Time Lord. While he blamed the physical and mental demands of the show, especially his character, as the reason he quit, fans have speculated that his exit was not a planned one. Ncuti, 32, has been replaced by Billie Piper who starred in the BBC sci-fi drama alongside Christopher Ecclestone, who only lasted one series. Ncuti recorded a video explaining to fans his reason to quit and 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." He added: "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." But die-hard fans think there may be another reason behind his exit. Taking to X, a fan named Mr Tardis wrote: "In October 2024, Ncuti Gatwa was on 'The Graham Norton Show' saying he was going to be filming another series of DW next year. In June 2025, he officially leaves the show and regenerates. This was never the plan. What a shame. He deserved so much better." Another said: "In situations like that, they'll often shoot two different alternative scenes: one where the series continues, and one to finish things off. Ncuti may well have actually thought he'd be staying on back in October 2024, even after filming a regeneration scene just in case." Meanwhile another fumed: "i am so f****g sad. its one thing to see your doctor regenerate because they chose to, another to see it happen because of behind the scenes s**t. i loved literally every episode this era. ive been defending it the whole time. this.. this kinda broke me." Adding to his exit speech, 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. 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." The former Doctor Who star continued: "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 showrunner Russell T. Davies expressed his sadness over Ncuti's decision to step down. He chimed: "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." He added: "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!" A spokesperson for Doctor Who declined to comment.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
David Tennant's wife breaks silence on Billie Piper's bombshell Doctor Who news
Doctor Who fans were sent into a frenzy on Saturday when former star of the show, Billie Piper, was revealed as the new Doctor after the current Time Lord, played by Ncuti Gatwa, regenerated Doctor Who star David Tennant's wife, Georgia, couldn't contain her excitement when Billie Piper was revealed as the new Time Lord in last night's show. Whovians across the country were sent into a frenzy when current Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, regenerated and Billie, who played companion Rose Tyler in the series from 2005 to 2006, appeared in his place. Actress Georgia, 40, who played the Doctor's daughter, Jenny, in a previous episode of the sci-fi series is married to David, who is best known for portraying the 10th and 14th incarnations of the Doctor, who starred alongside Billie's character, Rose. Sharing a screenshot of the couple's TV when the show started last night, Georgia, who shares five kids with David, wrote "Here we go. Oh yes!" followed by a stunning snap of Billie holding a rose with the hashtag: "Hello mum." Whovians couldn't believe what they were seeing after Billie's dramatic reveal, which has remained a closely guarded secret. Taking to social media to express their delight, many praised showrunner, Russell T Davies for his 'epic casting decision'. One said: "OMFG just watched the final episode of Doctor Who. Spoiler alert. Billie Piper as the Doctor. WTF." A second added: "Billie Piper as the 16th Doctor wasn't what I expected but hey it is something!" Meanwhile, another declared: "Billie Piper in Doctor Who. In the year 2025. not on my bingo cards." Another Whovian who was quite clearly overcome with emotion after the episode was Radio 2 star, Rylan Clark. Rylan appeared in Doctor Who two weeks ago, portraying the host of the Interstellar Song Contest, which is akin to a galactic version of the Eurovision Song Contest, on the BBC's iconic show. Revealing that showrunner Russell had given him a special role on the programme, he said on Instagram: "So I have been keeping that secret for a year. I am so excited. I am a massive, massive Whovian. "I love Doctor Who. I've loved it for years. And when I got that call I was so overwhelmed and I'm not gonna lie, I did have a little tear. Maybe a few more tears. It was the best experience of my life." Reacting to Billie's reveal in Saturday's show, he told fans he was probably going to 'regret' his emotional post, but shared - with tears streaming down his face - "I'll probably look back at this with real embarrassment, but I've just watched Doctor Who and I don't know what's just happened. Omg, it's unbelievable. What a turn out." Sharing the heartfelt message, show creator, Russell, replied to the TV presenter, saying: "Love you Rylan" with a big red heart emoji. Meanwhile, commenting on her return to the show, Billie said: "It's no secret how much I love this show. "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."
