There’s a brand new physician within the TARDIS — or is there?
Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Physician regenerated into former companion Billie Piper through the British sci-fi present’s season finale on Saturday.
Gatwa, 32, confirmed to the BBC that he’s leaving the sequence after enjoying the Time Lord for 2 seasons.
Piper, 42, beforehand performed Rose Tyler, the companion to Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Physician and David Tennant’s Tenth Physician, on the present from 2005 to 2006.
In an announcement to the BBC, Piper celebrated her return to the present however didn’t verify that she’s enjoying the Sixteenth Physician.
“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,” the actress stated.
“But who, how, why and when, you’ll just have to wait and see,” she added.
Showrunner Russell T Davis 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!”
If Piper is the brand new Physician, she’ll be the second feminine to tackle the enduring function after Jodie Whittaker, who performed the Thirteenth Physician from 2018 to 2022.
Whittaker, 42, made a cameo within the finale. The credit on the finish of the episode stated, “Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper.”
Gatwa joined the sequence after Tennant’s Fourteenth Physician regenerated in 2023.
“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,” Gatwa informed the BBC about his exit from the sequence.
“This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever,” the “Barbie” star continued. “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.”
Gatwa added: “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,” Gatwa concluded.
Following his “Doctor Who” exit, Gatwa will star within the play “Born With Teeth” within the West Finish. Performances run from Aug. 13 to Nov. 11.
