BBC slams claims Ncuti Gatwa has been axed from Doctor Who as ‘pure fiction’

Reports have emerged that Ncuti Gatwa has been ‘axed’ from Doctor Who by the BBC (Credits: BBC/Nwaka Okparaeke)

It’s being reported that after two years of adventuring in time and space, Ncuti Gatwa’s set to hand in his Tardis key.

The claims come after months of intense speculation from fans about Doctor Who’s future following what has been seen by some as a difficult period for the beloved show.

Disappointing viewing figures and muted viewer response are rumoured to have left the BBC, recent investors Disney, and Ncuti himself questioning what’s next for the Time Lord. 

Now, The Sun has reported that Ncuti has been ‘axed’ from the long-running sci-fi series following a spat with BBC bosses over him dropping out of Eurovision presenting duties.

However, a BBC spokesperson has confirmed to Metro that the reports are not true.

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They said, ‘Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been “axed” is pure fiction.’

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Fan forums and the like have been full of speculation over the last few months that this is indeed Ncuti’s last season and that he may regenerate during the events of the Doctor Who series 15 finale. 

This speculation was sparked after someone, who claimed to have inside knowledge of the show’s latest season, leaked spoilers online. 

With that in mind, though, it would clearly be impossible given the time frames being discussed for Ncuti to have been fired by the BBC if he had already filmed a regeneration scene. 

The Sun also claims that with Ncuti leaving, Disney is reconsidering its investment in the show and may pull out entirely. 

The BBC has labelled these reports ‘pure fiction’ (Picture: Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock) The Sun’s reports come amid intense fan speculation that Ncuti will regenerate soon (Picture: James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)

It’s worth noting, however, that when the Disney deal was announced, it was only for was for 26 episodes with discussions on a renewal to happen at a later date.

Furthermore, Disney is still working with the BBC on the upcoming spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea. It’s also been reported that even if Disney dropped out, the BBC plans on continuing the show.

Much like Ncuti’s alleged regeneration, there have been whispers that Disney has been disappointed with the show’s performance for months now. Still, Who showrunner Russell T. Davies has played down the gossip.

‘It’s funny, because even people who work on the show think that means we’re having secret meetings about it,’ he told The Radio Times. ‘People I work with every year say, “What’s really happening?” and I’m going, “Nothing! No meetings, nothing.”’

Disney and the BBC are still working on a Doctor Who spin-off (Credits: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon)

‘That’s when the decision is – and the decision won’t even be made by the people we work with at Disney Plus, it’ll be made by someone in a big office somewhere. So literally nothing happening, no decision.’

As for the suggestion that the show will go back on hiatus, this again won’t be a surprise to Doctor Who fans. 

Only last month, Russell himself told Newsround, ‘there might be a pause’ after Ncuti’s second season.

He went on to add, however, that he has ‘absolute faith’ that Doctor Who will survive, pointing out he’s ‘living proof of ‘ it and joking that ‘no good idea ever dies.’

Metro has approached Ncuti’s reps for comment.

Doctor Who continues at 6:50pm Saturday on BBC1 and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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