Ncuti Gatwa is exiting the Tardis.
In the climax of Saturday’s Finale of “Doctor Who” Series 14, Gatwa’s Doctor regenerates into Billie Piper, who previously played companion Rose Tyler in Series 1 (2005) and Series 2 (2006). She also made a brief appearance as Rose Tyler in Series 4 (2008) and was in the “Doctor Who” 50th anniversary special in 2013.
At the end of the episode (per BBC), a credit reads, “Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper.”
Although it appears as such, it is not technically confirmed that Piper will be the next Doctor. In a statement shared with the BBC, Piper said fans will have to wait a bit longer to find out what her return means for the series.
Piper said in the statement, “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.”
Rumors have been swirling about Gatwa’s potential departure since before the show’s Season 2 premiere in April, but have intensified with ratings down from last season. Gatwa, who made history as the first openly queer Black actor to take on the role, led “Doctor Who” alongside companions Millie Gibson and Varada Sethu, with series stalwart Russell T Davies as showrunner, writer and executive producer. His departure marks the second shortest time any actor has spent as the Doctor — logging in just one more season than Christopher Eccleston — and certainly leaves the future of the iconic British show uncertain.
“Doctor Who” was originally given a two-season order at Disney+ and the BBC, but has not yet been renewed beyond that. When asked by Variety in April if he would be open to returning for a third season, Gatwa kept mum, saying: “My head is only full of Season 2, because it’s been so epic. It’s very ironic that in a show about time travel, you can’t talk about the future, but I can talk about Season 2 and how brilliant it is.”
Gatwa complemented his time on “Doctor Who” with roles on stage, starring in “The Importance of Being Earnest” at London’s National Theatre through January. It was recently announced that he’ll lead another play, “Born With Teeth,” on the West End this summer. He is also currently filming Jay Roach’s black comedy “The Roses,” co-starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, Allison Janney and more.
