Billie Piper set for stunning Doctor Who return after Ncuti Gatwa’s shock exit
Oh hello!
Ncuti Gatwa has bowed out of Doctor Who after only two series – apparently regenerating into Billie Piper as the Time Lord revealed her sixteenth face.
As the BBC sci-fi drama returned for the second part of its series finale, all of reality was at stake.
And, with the Doctor battling two Ranis (Anita Dobson and Archie Panjabi), a toxic podcaster (Jonah Hauer-King) and an ancient beast known as The Omega, he had his work cut out in restoring the world as we know it.
With rumours spiralling that showrunner Russell T Davies had a surprise regeneration planned, viewers eagerly tuned in to see the outcome of the Reality War.
These rumours turned out to be true after all – as, in the episode’s closing moments, the Doctor bid farewell to companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu), before heading back to his TARDIS for a private regeneration.
Get personalised updates on Doctor WhoWake 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.
In doing so, the identity of the sixteenth Doctor was apparently confirmed to be none other than Billie Piper, who previously played iconic companion Rose Tyler.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Up Next
Previous Page Next Page Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor regenerated in last night’s episode (Picture: BBC) The Doctor sacrificed a regeneration to save ‘daughter’ Poppy (Picture: BBC)After using his regeneration energy to save Space Baby Poppy from non-existence, the Fifteenth Doctor had retreated back to the TARDIS to let Time Lord biology take its course.
‘I’m never alone with you,’ the Doctor said as he opened the doors to look out on time and space itself. ‘Joy to the world!’
As Ncuti’s face faded out in a blast of regeneration energy, it was replaced with that of a surprised-looking Billie.
She began to smile as she addressed the camera, quipping ‘oh, hello,’ as the end credits rolled.
It remains to be seen why or how the Doctor settled upon Rose’s face as their sixteenth iteration – nor if she is even really the Doctor.
Ncuti played The Doctor for a brief run of only two series (Picture: BBC)In a statement released by the BBC, 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.
‘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.
With the Sex Education star vacating the role after 18 episodes, this makes him the shortest-serving of the canonical, full-time TV Doctors since Christopher Eccleston, who left after only one series in 2005.
Ncuti’s Doctor burned bright but briefly (Picture: BBC)Showrunner Russell also weighed in on Ncuti’s departure from the TARDIS, saying: ‘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.’
Lindsay Salt, director of drama said: ‘When Ncuti Gatwa first stepped foot on the TARDIS we instantly knew he was going to be an iconic Doctor and it wasn’t long before his dazzling performances captured the hearts of so many around the globe.
‘The role of the Doctor is like no other and Ncuti’s dedication, charisma and magnetism has taken the Doctor into unchartered territory which we have never experienced before.
‘As Ncuti himself said at the start of this journey – unlike the Doctor he may only have one heart, but he is giving it all to this role – I think we can all agree that he did that, and more. Thanks, Ncuti for being such a special part of the Whoniverse.’
The Doctor came face-to-face with his Thirteenth self before regenerating (Picture: BBC)As the moment aired, shocked fans took to social media to register their surprise, and share theories as to what had happened.
‘I’d hold off on saying Billie Piper is the Doctor. She wasn’t credited as such. This screams Bad Wolf energy. Rose took power from the TARDIS, the Doctor took it into himself to save her & now Ncuti’s Doctor regenerated after putting energy back in,’ pointed out andybfaedundee on X.
This was in reference to the 2005 episode The Parting of The Ways, in which Rose took in the energy of the TARDIS – an action which resulted in her doctor, Christopher Eccleston, sacrificing himself.
In the credits following tonight’s episode, both appearing Doctors (which included a cameo from Jodie Whittaker) were named as such – while Billie got an ‘introducing’ credit.
Might her surprise appearance tonight be related to this action?
Whatever happened, Billie took to Instagram in the aftermath to celebrate her return to Doctor Who, sharing a snap of herself with a white Rose, along with a series of pictures of herself in character.
‘A rose is a rose is a rose !!!’ she wrote in the accompanying caption. But might the wolf emoji hidden among the roses hint at her regeneration’s true nature?
‘Oh HELLO! ????’ wrote the official Doctor Who account in the comments below, echoing Billie’s line tonight.
‘WHAT ON EARTH BILLIE?? WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING???’ commented a shell-shocked Whovianlifeart.
‘WHAT IS GOING ON IM 25 years old and jsut screamed at my tv!!!!’ said Joelgr33n.
‘Girl i am in shock!!! Disney better order the next season fast bc I need to see what in the world y’all have dreamed up!!!!’ said kellyb2076.
Billie starred opposite David Tenant as Rose Tyler (Picture: PA) Comment nowAre you excited to see Billie Piper take over control of The TARDIS?Comment NowAs Rose Tyler, Billie was the Doctor’s first companion upon the sci-fi drama’s return, accompanying Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant across two series between 2005 and 2006.
While she returned for one-off episodes in 2008 and 2010 (plus several audio adventures!), Rose is currently believed to be trapped in a parallel universe with her mother and an off-shoot of the Tenth Doctor (known as the Meta Crisis Doctor).
An announcement has not yet been made as to when Doctor Who – or Billie Piper’s ‘Doctor’ – will return.
Doctor Who is streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
