Doctor Who: Ncuti Gatwa leaves show in shock regeneration
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Ncuti Gatwa breaks silence as he leaves Doctor Who – see first statement
Ncuti Gatwa’s time as The Doctor has come to an end. The 42-year-old has been playing the Time Lord for just two years. Billie Piper, who played Rose Tyler, made a surprise appearance in the episode. Jodie Whittaker, the 13th incarnation of the Doctor, also made an appearance. Ncuti said: “I’ve loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and enjoy it every bit as much as I have”
Addressing his exit, Ncuti said in a statement: “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.”
© CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios/Bad Wolf Ncuti’s time as The Doctor has come to an end
He 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.”
New Doctor
The show surprised fans as Ncuti’s Doctor regenerated into Billie Piper, who previously played one of the show’s most iconic companions, Rose Tyler.
© WireImage Billie has returned to the show
Speaking about her unexpected appearance, the 42-year-old 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.”
Questions remain
Billie wasn’t the only surprise face in the episode, as Jodie Whittaker, who played the Time Lord’s 13th incarnation made an appearance as Gatwa’s version seemingly travelled through alternative universes.
© CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon Jodie made a surprise appearance in the episode
Might we see the pair return to the show in the future? Only time will tell…
Ncuti Gatwa exits Doctor Who and regenerates into Billie Piper as fans left speechless
Ncuti Gatwa has left his role as the Fifteenth Doctor after two series. At the end of the 15th season finale, he was seen regenerating into Billie Piper. BBC refers to the Doctor’s regeneration, but says: “Just how and why she [Billie Piper] is back remains to be seen” There is still uncertainty about when the show will return after it’s finale for season 15 was aired tonight on May 31. Showrunner and head writer Russell T Davies previously confirmed that no official decision would be made on commissioning the next series until this series had been broadcast. In 2017, Piper won best actress award at the Olivier’s, for her performance in the play Yerma. She was most recently nominated for a Bafta for playing TV producer Sam McAlister in Scoop, a drama about Prince Andrew’s car crash interview on Newsnight in 2019. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details.
Ncuti Gatwa has left his role as the Fifteenth Doctor after two series and was seen regenerating into Billie Piper.
Ncuti Gatwa has left Doctor Who after two seasons (Image: BBC )
Ncuti Gatwa has stepped down from his role as the Doctor after playing the iconic character for two seasons on the beloved sci-fi series Doctor Who. At the end of the 15th season finale, which aired on Saturday May 31, fans were left stunned as Gatwa was seen regenerating into Billie Piper, who previously played the Doctor’s companion, Rose Tyler, when David Tennant was playing the iconic part.
In a press release, the BBC refers to the Doctor’s regeneration, but says: “Just how and why she [Billie Piper] is back remains to be seen…” Scottish-Rwandan actor Ncuti has released a statement following his shock exit which reads: “This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever.”
The credit at the end of the programme read: “Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper”. It comes after speculation had been building for some time that Gatwa was going to be ‘axed’ from the programme which the BBC previously denied.
A spokesperson for the BBC told the media earlier this month: “Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been ‘axed’ is pure fiction.”
Billie Piper alongside David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor
As for whether the series will continue, the BBC explained: “As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs and any other claims are just pure speculation. The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes – and we still have an entire spin off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, to air. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.”
Meanwhile Billie Piper, who is set to make her shock return, first starred on the show in 2005 when it returned to television for the first time since the 1990s, appearing alongside Christopher Eccleston and then David Tennant.
After her memorable role of Rose Tyler for two full series in 2005 and 2006, the 42-year-old won acclaim for roles including sex worker Belle de Jour in Secret Diary of a Call Girl and the lead character in Sky Atlantic’s I Hate Suzie.
In 2017, Piper won best actress award at the Olivier’s, for her performance in the play Yerma.
She was most recently nominated for a Bafta for playing TV producer Sam McAlister in Scoop, a drama about Prince Andrew’s car crash interview on Newsnight in 2019.
After Scots legend Peter Capaldi stepped down as the 12th doctor, Piper told the BBC she believed a woman should take over the coveted role but was not sure about playing the part herself.
Capaldi went on to be replaced by Jodie Whittaker, who was then replaced by Sex Education star Ncuti.
Gatwa has only played the Doctor for 18 months, appearing in two series, which marks the shortest amount of time any star has been in the role since Christopher Eccleston’s one year stint as the Doctor in 2005.
There is still uncertainty about when the show will return after it’s finale for season 15 was aired tonight on May 31. Showrunner and head writer Russell T Davies previously confirmed that no official decision would be made on commissioning the next series until this series had been broadcast.
The last two series of the show have been co-produced and broadcast internationally by streaming service Disney+, which has given the beloved sci-fi series a bigger budget.
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However, conversations about whether the BBC and Disney wish to renew that deal, or whether other options should be explored, are likely to take a while.
In order for a new series to be released in 2026, production would need to get under way relatively soon.
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So at the moment, it’s unlikely Doctor Who fans will see a new series or a special starring Billie Piper before 2027.
Billie Piper announced as new Doctor Who as she replaces Ncuti Gatwa in BBC series
Billie is a fan favourite on the long-running BBC series. She helped reboot the show as companion Rose Tyler to Christopher Ecclestone’s Ninth Doctor back in 2005. Her character remained with the character as he regenerated into David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor, before being trapped in a parallel world. In a massive shock on tonight’s finale, The Reality War, Ncuti Gatwa – the 15th Doctor – said goodbye to the role after two series and regenerated. Billie 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” She added: “But who, how, why and when, you’ll just have to wait and see.”
Billie is a fan favourite on the long-running BBC series, helping reboot the show as companion Rose Tyler to Christopher Ecclestone’s Ninth Doctor back in 2005.
5 Ncuti Gatwa has said goodbye to Doctor Who with a finale regeneration Credit: PA
5 Billie Piper has made her triumphant comeback to the show as the new Doctor Credit: PA
5 As Rose Tyler, Billie travelled the cosmos with Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant’s Doctors Credit: Alamy
Her character remained with the character as he regenerated into David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor, before being trapped in a parallel world.
However, Billie, and Rose, have made several appearances throughout the show since.
In a massive shock on tonight’s finale, The Reality War, Ncuti Gatwa – the 15th Doctor – said goodbye to the role after two series and regenerated.
The Doctor faced off against enemy the Rani in the latest bid to save the world.
However, the ultimate sacrifice came in a bid to save the life of a little girl.
As yellow particles eclipsed him, he transformed into a very familiar face – Rose – marking her turn as the 16th Doctor.
She then mumbled a quick “Oh Hello!” before the series ended.
Speaking of her return, Billie 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.”
Speaking of his decision to leave, 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.
“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.”
Doctor Who’s wokest ever lead star Ncuti Gatwa axed after just two series with show set to be paused after ratings nosedive
“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,” Ncuti continued.
“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.”
Showrunner Russell T Davies said it was “an honour and a hoot” to welcome Billie back to the show, though also played coy when it came to what this means for the Time Lord going forward.
Instead, he just noted: “After 62 years, the Doctor’s adventures are only just beginning!”
5 Billie first appeared as afn favourite companion Rose in 2005 Credit: Alamy
Doctor Who fans argue Billie Piper may not the new Doctor
Billie Piper, 42, first appeared in the series as the companion to Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor in 2005. She stayed on for the next series with 10th Doctor David Tennant, and also returned as part of the 50th anniversary. If confirmed as The Doctor, Piper will be the second after Jody Whittaker’s 13th Doctor. Doctor Who TV simply says: “But just how and why she is back remains to be seen” Ncuti Gatwa has left Doctor Who and has regenerated into Billie Piper. Fans say Piper was not “introduced” as the Doctor in the credits. One said: “She’s clearly not the Doctor but some Bad Wolf shenanigans.”
It ended with the Doctor regenerating once again, changing into none other than former companion star Billie Piper.
However, keen-eyed fans have spotted that Piper, known for her role as Rose Tyler, may not be the new Doctor.
Ncuti Gatwa pictured regenerating in his final episode of Doctor Who (Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon/PA Wire)
Doctor Who fans argue Billie Piper may not the new Doctor
While it is confirmed that Ncuti Gatwa has left Doctor Who and has regenerated into Billie Piper, some are not sure she is the next Doctor.
In the end credits, it read: “And introducing Billie Piper.”
Fans compared this to when Ncuti Gatwa was introduced as the 15th Doctor, when it read: “And introducing Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor.”
One said on X (formerly Twitter): “Everyone failing to notice Biliie Piper was not “introduced” as the Doctor in the credits, just as Billie Piper.
“She’s clearly not the Doctor but some Bad Wolf shenanigans.”
Another said: “100%. No mention of her on Unleashed either.”
A third added: “I noticed this too! What does it mean? I need to know now!”
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…”
🔥 SPOILERS! 🔥 Watch the moment we said goodbye to the Fifteenth Doctor and hello to… #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/QP0KWoj7vQ — Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) May 31, 2025
Doctor Who Showrunner Russell T Davies 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!”
Billie Piper speaks on Doctor Who return after Ncuti Gatwa leaves
Piper, 42, first appeared in the series as the companion to Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor in 2005.
She stayed on for the next series with 10th Doctor David Tennant, and also returned as part of the 50th anniversary.
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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.
Doctor Who finale sees Ncuti Gatwa depart in surprise regeneration
Gatwa was the 15th main lead of the show, which originally ran from 1963 to 1989. The final episode of this year’s series, The Reality War, was simultaneously broadcast on BBC One and shown in cinemas around the UK. Billie Piper, 42, starred as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston. The casting of the first woman to play the role, and the first Black actors to pilot the Tardis, have dragged the show into online culture wars about diversity. Since 2023 the show has been co-produced by Bad Wolf and BBC Studios, and has been distributed internationally by Disney+. A Doctor Who spin-off series called The War Between the Land and the Sea is expected to air later in 2025. The most-watched episode this year – The Interstellar Song Contest, which aired just before the Eurovision song contest, was watched by 3.75 million people in the UK during its first seven days on iPlayer.
The Doctor Who show runner, 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.”
In a statement released by the BBC, 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.”
Piper, 42, starred as the companion to the ninth Doctor in 2005, playing Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston’s Time Lord.
She said of her shock 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.”
The finale also saw Whittaker, the 13th Doctor, make a guest appearance as Gatwa’s Doctor appeared to be travelling through alternate universes.
The final episode of this year’s series, The Reality War, was simultaneously broadcast on BBC One and shown in cinemas around the UK, as well as receiving a streaming release on iPlayer and Disney+ internationally. The BBC had not allowed previews for reviewers in an attempt to preserve secrecy around the ending.
Gatwa was the 15th main lead of the show, which originally ran from 1963 to 1989, and was then revived by Davies in 2005, with Eccleston in the role. Since then David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi and Whittaker have been the Doctor, with Jo Martin and John Hurt also guest starring as mysterious versions from the Doctor’s past. Piper, Catherine Tate, Karen Gillan, Jenna Coleman, Bernard Cribbins and Bradley Walsh have been among the Doctor’s companions during the modern era.
View image in fullscreen David Tennant as the Doctor and Catherine Tate as Donna Noble in 2008. The pair returned to the show for a series of 60th-anniversary specials in 2023. Photograph: Everett Collection Inc/Alamy
In September 2021 the BBC announced that Davies, the Queer as Folk and It’s a Sin creator, would return as show runner for a second time. Since 2023 the show has been co-produced by Bad Wolf and BBC Studios, and has been distributed internationally by Disney+, in a deal which dramatically enhanced the budget for a series that during the 1970s had a reputation for wobbly sets, primitive VFX and monsters made with bubble wrap.
The current era of the show has endured historically low ratings for the series, with the most-watched episode this year – The Interstellar Song Contest, which aired just before the Eurovision song contest it was modelled on – being watched by 3.75 million people in the UK during its first seven days on iPlayer.
The casting of the first woman to play the role, and the first Black actors to pilot the Tardis, have dragged the show into online culture wars about diversity, which the cast and crew have pushed back on.
Varada Sethu, who plays the Doctor’s companion Belinda and who also recently appeared in the Disney+ Star Wars series Andor, said of people calling it “Doctor Woke” that “Woke just means inclusive, progressive and that you care about people. And, as far as I know, the core of Doctor Who is kindness, love and doing the right thing.”
A Doctor Who spin-off series, called The War Between the Land and the Sea, starring Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jemma Redgrave, is expected to air later in 2025.