Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa issues heartfelt message to fans after shock exit
He took to social media for the first time.
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 following a dramatic conclusion to his and Belinda’s eight-episode arc.
This meant that two seasons in, 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 Sethu) thanking them for their time together travelling the universe.
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He wrote: ‘Three queens of the sky…
‘Twas an experience like no other and thank God we were by each other’s 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.’
‘All hail 15,’ Millie replied in the comments.
In a follow-up post with more images from his regeneration, he added 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.’
As fans mourned his departure.
Fans have mourned his regeneration (Picture: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf)‘Why so soon, i wanted so much more time with you as the doctor. Thank you, you’ve been amazing and you will be missed,’ ofdyingdragons wrote.
‘I could have watched you for many many more years and I still don’t think it would have satisfied. Forever my doctor,’ cosmicstv added.
‘One of my fav doctors! Thank you so much for these 2 amazing years!’ jumelguisa echoed.
‘You were born for this role and you’ll be missed immensely,’ aaron_pmg said.
‘Ncuti you are so loved. You did such a beautiful portrayal of the character, thank you for being amazing,’ jules_in_the_tardis agreed.
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.
He thanked fans, and Doctor Who, ‘for it all’ (Picture: @ncutigatwa)His former companion, Ruby Sunday, played by Millie, also shared her own farewell message on Instagram with snaps 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 ;)
‘Thank you for taking me to the stars. Love, Ruby roo,’ she wrote.
Gatwa also reposted this on his story, saying: ‘My Ruby Roo.’
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Previous Page Next PageElsewhere 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 that was released after the episode yesterday, he said that ‘nothing quite prepares you for the end’ and that the ‘role will be a part of [him] 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 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 regenerated into returning star Billie Piper who is best known for playing beloved companion Rose Tyler (Picture: BBC)‘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.’
In Doctor Who: Unleashed – the behind-the-scenes show – we saw a glimpse of his last day on set as the cast and crew bid him an emotional farewell.
‘Everyone here is amazing,’ he addressed the set.
‘I’m terrible with words but the crew here really are the petrol to this place. Thank you so much for these past two years. This place is filled with so much love and hard work that goes into creating these incredible scripts every day is execrptional,’ he continued as he pointed to showrunner Russell T Davies.
‘There are no words for this experience but just thank you, thank you, thank you everyone.
Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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