Latest news with #FifteenthDoctor
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Will Doctor Who get another season? Showrunner admits he isn't sure
Doctor Who is among BBC's longest-running series, starting all the way back in 1963. After an extended hiatus that lasted throughout the '90s, the series was relaunched to great success in 2005, and has been going strong ever since. However, the series has endured a slump in recent years, to the point that even the current showrunner is uncertain about where the show will go moving forward. In his regular column for the Doctor Who Magazine, showrunner Russell T Davies admitted that plans for continuing the series are still in flux, writing: "We don't know what's happening yet. and while everyone works that out, I'll take a pause on this page... Hopefully, we'll have news soon." Davies had previously revealed that the recent episodes of Doctor Who had been cofinanced by Disney, and that he had hopes to produce the series on an annual basis. This pause in the series production was further corroborated in a report from Deadline, where a source embedded in the production stated: 'This letter is a production notes diary for when the show is in production, or on air, and as Russell has stated within the piece, it is a pause.' The Fifteenth Doctor's tenure ends with rampant speculation The Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, ended his two-season run on 31st May, with 'The Reality War' concluding his story arc and ending with his regeneration. Following his exit, the episode ended with a cliffhanger appearance by Billie Piper, who's previously played the role of companion Rose Tyler on the show. The ambiguity surrounding the reveal has fueled heavy fan theorizing about whether or not Billie Piper will indeed take over as the new Doctor, something that the show's own marketing learned into while promoting the next Doctor Who Magazine. Billie Piper is... this month's #DoctorWho Magazine cover star!Get an inside look at the revelations of the Doctor Who: Season 2 finale - Subscribe and get each issue delivered direct to your door ➡️ While Billie Piper taking over as the Sixteenth Doctor would be an obvious conclusion to draw from 'The Reality War' episode's ending, a number of decisions both within the episode, and the show's past history, muddy the waters a bit. For instance, the episode credits call both Ncuti Gatwa and Jodie Whittaker the Doctor, but not Billie Piper herself. Furthermore, the series has broken from its conventional regeneration process in the past, notably with the Fifteenth Doctor Himself, who originally coexisted with David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor thanks to the plot device of bigeneration. Most importantly, however, the recent production struggles and impending hiatus of the series mean that no production plans are set in stone as of yet, so there's no telling what form Doctor Who will take when it finally makes a return.
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Doctor Who animated series coming to CBeebies
Doctor Who animated series coming to CBeebies The TARDIS will be landing on the pre-school channel The BBC has announced a new Doctor Who animation for CBeebies. The TARDIS will be landing on the pre-school channel and the BBC is searching for a production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main television series, which is overseen by showrunner Russell T. Davies. Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children's and Education, said: "Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor! "This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format. "This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK's animation industry." The Doctor Who animated series will run for 26 episodes across 2027 and 2028 and a further 26 episodes across 2028 and 2029. Article continues below The pitch for the animated series states that "the BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show, that will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends. And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way...". The deadline for initial submissions is 10 July 2025. The announcement of the new CBeebies animated series comes after Ncuti Gatwa left his role as the Fifteenth Doctor in the finale of the most recent series titled The Reality War. Viewers saw Ncuti's Time Lord regenerate into Billie Piper, who played companion Rose Tyler in Doctor Who for several years. It is not yet known if Billie is the Sixteenth Doctor or Rose or a different character. Following the surprise regeneration, Russell said: "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." Article continues below On her shock return, Billie said: "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."
Metro
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Doctor Who fans in disbelief over 'disrespect' of iconic star Jenna Coleman
Fans of Doctor Who have been left in a state of disbelief at the 'disrespect' of former companion and viewer favourite Clara Oswald. This came as a special episode of the spin-off documentary series Doctor Who: Unleashed celebrated 20 years of the sci-fi drama's rebooted iteration. First airing on BBC One on March 26 2005, Doctor Who returned to screens after an absence of 16 years, introducing Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor, and Billie Piper as companion Rose Tyler. The rest, as they say, is history – and Doctor Who recently wrapped up its most recent series, with Ncuti Gatwa stepping down as the Fifteenth Doctor during a surprise regeneration. Looking back over 20 years of filming in Cardiff, last night's Unleashed paid tribute to Doctors and companions past. Wake 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. However, many fans were disappointed by one particularly glaring omission – namely, the curious absence of Clara Oswald, as played by Jenna Coleman. Clara was initially introduced as a companion to the Eleventh Doctor, as played by Matt Smith. First appearing in the Series Seven episode Asylum of the Daleks in 2012, Jenna's enigmatic appearance (playing one of three different people who shared a similar name, but the same face) turned into a full-time companionship under the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi). Clara departed the TARDIS in Series 9, with the 2015 finale Hell Bent being her last in a starring role. However, she did return for the Twelfth Doctor's final episode, showing up for a cameo in the 2017 Christmas special, Twice Upon A Time. As such, Clara is one of the rebooted Doctor's longer-serving companions… making her absence from this week's celebration seem particularly odd. 'I'm in utter disbelief over how little time was dedicated to the 12th Doctor's era in the new Unleashed ep, only a little under 2 minutes in an hour long special,' wrote DWfigurephotos on X. The user continued: 'The episode 'Blink' alone got more time dedicated to it than Peter's entire run! 🤦♂️ Also no Clara AT ALL?!' 'I know the Doctor temporarily lost all his memories of Clara, but it seems that the makers of Doctor Who Unleashed have forgotten about her completely,' said MrDavidEBrown. 'Is it just me or is it odd that the #DoctorWho Unleashed 20th Anniversary Special didn't even mention Clara. It just skipped over her completely. I can understand if Jenna Coleman wasn't available, but to not even mention or show the character seems really strange,' commented JovialVulcan. 'The whole time when Jenna Coleman played Clara, was skipped over. Her name not mentioned & only a glimpse of her from the distance in a scene from 'Deep Breath'. I wonder why that was?' said PayneNotes1. Also missing from the line-up was Series 3 and 4 companion Martha Jones, as played by Freema Agyeman. Surprisingly, Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday didn't rate a mention either, although she did appear in the background during an interview with Ncuti and Varada Sethu. Former companions who were included in this love letter to Cardiff-era Who included Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, who played Amy and Rory Pond during Matt Smith's run on the show. Representing Peter's time, Pearl Mackie also addressed her time as Bill Potts, while Jodie Whittaker's TARDIS-mate Mandip Gill provided some insight of her own. Catherine Tate may not have appeared in an interview, but showrunner Russell T Davies and the documentary did at least acknowledge her existence. Meanwhile, as the most recent companion, Varada joined Ncuti on the red carpet to discuss their stints on the show. As perhaps the Doctor's most well-known companion, Billie Piper joined David Tennant as they reflected on their time in the TARDIS together. Both have returned to the show since their exit, with David starring in three special episodes last year after (re)regenerating from Jodie's much-maligned Thirteenth Doctor. His three-episode return culminated in the show's first bi-generation – heralding the arrival of Ncuti Gatwa as the show's Fifteenth Doctor. More Trending In shocking scenes during this month's series finale, Ncuti stepped down from the show after only two seasons – apparently regenerating into Billie Piper as the episode ended. Whether Billie is actually the Doctor remains to be seen, but her return to the show has left fans worried for its future. View More » Amid rumours that David Tennant might come back (again!) some have suggested that the show is 'running out of ideas' and coasting on its past. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'I had to snort pure glucose': Inside BBC's outstanding 80s crime drama MORE: BBC's 'brilliant' true crime drama made me question my own morals MORE: Divisive horror movie full of 'grotesque monsters' now streaming on BBC iPlayer
Geek Girl Authority
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Farewell to the Fifteenth Doctor, the Most Joyful of Them All
Most iterations of a certain Time Lord get at least three seasons to shine on Doctor Who (with the exception of Christopher Eccleston). Well, in NuWho, anyway. That's why Ncuti Gatwa's departure in Season 2 Episode 8, 'The Reality War,' comes as a total shock. Sure, the rumor mill has been rumor-milling in recent months, with tabloids claiming the Fifteenth Doctor's regeneration is nigh. However, I paid them no mind. It's not official until the Doctor actually takes on a new face. When Gatwa was announced as the Fifteenth Doctor a few years back, I was stoked. I love his work in Sex Education . Then, he was a Ken in 2023's mega-hit Barbie . I knew he would infuse our titular Gallifreyan with vim and vigor, and boy, I like being right. RELATED: Doctor Who : 5 Jaw-Dropping Moments From the Season 2 Finale Breaking Barriers on Doctor Who Beyond his nuanced, compelling performance, Gatwa's casting breaks barriers. He's not the first Black Doctor (hello, Jo Martin); however, he's the first Black male Doctor who's also queer. That probably doesn't matter to those sourpusses who decry Doctor Who for going 'woke' and 'checking off boxes,' but what do they know? It does matter. It matters to the young queer POC who finally see themselves in the Doctor, a reminder that anyone can be a hero. Anyone can be a two-hearted alien traveling through space and time in a big, blue police box. Additionally, Gatwa's interpretation of the Doctor incorporates his predecessors' personalities while bringing his own flair to the table. Fifteen is unmistakably unique. He's one in a billion supernovas, like the Vindicator device the Doctor constructs in Season 2. Fifteen marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Doctor, having bi-generated from the Fourteenth Doctor (David Tennant). Fourteen eventually goes off to live a quiet life with Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) and her family. This Doctor addresses his trauma and pain head-on, something we've never truly seen our favorite Time Lord do. RELATED: Our Favorite Timey-Wimey Quotes From the Doctor Who Season 2 Finale So, Fifteen embarks on his journey with a more emotionally healthy approach. Sure, the loss of Gallifrey and his people is still a sore spot, and he contends with his sterility in the finale with a pang of sadness. The Fifteenth Doctor Wears His Two Hearts on His Sleeve However, Fifteen stands out from the Doctors who came before him because he's willing to be more open. He discusses how lonely it is being the last of the Time Lords (well, until the Rani makes herself known) with his companions, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu). The Doctor also wears his two hearts on his sleeve — he's unafraid of shedding tears, a welcome antidote to toxic masculinity. He's emotional and vulnerable. On the flip side of that, Fifteen's joy is contagious. He's exuberant. His light shines so brightly, like Joy, the Star of Bethlehem. Fifteen doesn't allow anyone to dim that light, either, existing in time and space as his most authentic self while acknowledging that this isn't always easy to do. Not every place in the universe is warm and inviting for everyone. RELATED: Doctor Who : Our Favorite Easter Eggs From 'Lux' During his tenure, Gatwa's Doctor also has a love interest. While this isn't unusual for the Doctor, it's a win for queer representation. It's the first time we see a male Doctor pursue a relationship with another man. Rogue (Jonathan Groff) comes to the fore in Season 1's 'Rogue,' a Bridgerton -esque outing. He and the Doctor kiss before Rogue is sent to a Hell Dimension. Unfortunately, in Season 2's 'Wish World,' we learn that the Hell Dimension is sliding into a pit. In a transmission to the Doctor, Rogue tells him he misses and loves him. This is heartbreaking. For starters, Gatwa and Groff boast excellent chemistry in that one episode alone. Secondly, we'll never see this version of our eponymous Gallifreyan rescue Rogue if the latter is still alive. Regardless, Fifteen and Rogue's love story is another example of Gatwa's Time Lord smashing glass ceilings. How to Save a Life In addition to Fifteen's infectious joyfulness and willingness to express vulnerability, he continues carrying the mantle of his predecessors. To the Doctor, every life is important. Fifteen has risked everything to save a life, from Ruby to Belinda. He even shifts all of time by one degree to retrieve Belinda's daughter, Poppy (Sienna-Robyn Mavanga-Phipps). Fifteen is selfless to a tee. He'll fall on his sword every time if it means someone else gets to live. (Just this once, everybody lives!) RELATED: Read our Doctor Who recaps Of course, the Fifteenth Doctor isn't all sunshine and rainbows. He can exhibit fiery, unadulterated rage. In 'The Interstellar Song Contest,' Gatwa gets his 'Time Lord Victorious' moment. He tortures Kid (Freddie Fox), a Hellion hellbent on revenge who plans to kill billions of people and blame it on the Corporation. Naturally, this triggers the Doctor's own traumas. Fifteen is darker here than we've ever seen him as he repeatedly inflicts pain on Kid. Gatwa is such a commanding screen presence and has a wonderful grasp of who Fifteen is, warts and all, as it were. A Joyful Humanity The Fifteenth Doctor's complexities and layers perhaps make him the most human — and the most relatable — Doctor we've ever had. He feels fully real and lived in. Young and old. Energetic and world-weary. He encompasses all the colors and facets of the human experience. Yet he doesn't allow the violence and apocalyptic madness to eat away at the joy he carries in his hearts. That joy is the crux of who Fifteen is. So, farewell to the Fifteenth Doctor, the most joyful of them all. He changed faces with a smile and kicked fear to the curb. And to Ncuti Gatwa, you've left an indelible mark on the Whoniverse. You've become one of my favorite Doctors. I can't wait to rewatch your adventures, and I hope someday we'll see you piloting the TARDIS once again. Seasons 1 and 2 of Doctor Who are now streaming on Disney+. TV Review: DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 3, 'The Well' Contact: [email protected] What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events. Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium. Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
Geek Girl Authority
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Our Favorite Timey-Wimey Quotes From the DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Finale
It's hard to believe that the Fifteenth Doctor's time has come and gone. It feels like yesterday when we watched Ncuti Gatwa being pulled out of David Tennant's body in an act of bi-generation. Gatwa has been a breath of fresh air — a much-needed shot in the arm for Doctor Who . His vibrant energy and boundless joy as our titular Time Lord are infectious. Season 2 Episode 8, 'The Reality War,' sees the Fifteenth Doctor and his friends fight tooth and nail to thwart the Rani's (Archie Panjabi) grand plan. It's also Fifteen's swan song. Let's dive into our favorite timey-wimey (because that'll never go out of style) quotes from the Season 2 finale. RELATED: Doctor Who : 5 Jaw-Dropping Moments From the Season 2 Finale Doctor Who, 'The Reality War' DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 8, 'The Reality War.' Photo credit: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf THE DOCTOR: 'How dare you? I have been in the halls of the Goblin King — I have stood in the Palaces of the Daleks. I have entered the caves of Satan himself. But what has happened here in this tiny little bedroom in the middle of suburbia is bigger than anything.' Firstly, I would've killed to see Ncuti Gatwa go toe-to-toe with Daleks. Or Cybermen. Or the Weeping Angels. I get it; having the Doctor square off against the same foes can become repetitive. However, the classics are classics for a reason. I digress. Anyway, I love how much the mundane matters to the Doctor. He cares so deeply about humanity and will do everything in his power to protect their home. THE RANI: 'I could tilt you on your side and serve olives in those dimples.' Conrad Clark (Jonah Hauer-King) is a simple man. A compliment on his appearance is enough to make him move mountains for the Rani (Panjabi). Granted, I, too, would fold if the Time Lady herself complimented me. Jonah Hauer-King does have incredibly adorable dimples, though. RELATED: TV Review: Doctor Who Season 2 Premiere Hopes and Dreams and Wishes DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 8, 'The Reality War.' Photo credit: James Pardon/BBC Studios/Bad Wolf THE RANI: 'She's not real. She's made of hopes and dreams and wishes.' THE DOCTOR: 'That is every child.' He's not wrong. All children are comprised of hopes, dreams and wishes. May every kid out there cling tightly to their childlike wonderment for as long as possible. We could use a hefty dose of idealism right about now. THE RANI: 'I know you haven't arrived with a weapon. Only a speech, some dazzling words, maybe a pun, and then some lachrymose little tug-the-heartstrings, mimosa-scented platitudes about the power of love.' Look at the Rani and her lexicon! As a writer, this line scratches that specific itch in my brain for well-constructed, poetic dialogue so well. The Rani can read the Doctor like a book. Sure, this is his modus operandi, but damn, if it doesn't work (almost) every time. The power of love, baby. RELATED: Doctor Who : 11 Easter Eggs in 'Boom' You've Redecorated DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 8, 'The Reality War.' Photo credit: James Pardon/BBC Studios/Bad Wolf THIRTEENTH DOCTOR: 'Don't go in fear. Go with that lovely smile.' I now demand an audio adventure or a miniseries featuring the Fifteenth and Thirteenth (Jodie Whittaker) Doctors. Their chemistry in that brief scene aboard the TARDIS is *chef's kiss*. I'm also reminded of how much I love Whittaker as Thirteen, despite the inconsistent, occasionally bloated, sometimes subpar writing during her tenure. Thirteen offers Fifteen sage words before the latter regenerates. She encourages him not to leave in fear, but with that 'lovely smile.' Her words brim with affection and understanding. Change is hard. The unknown is terrifying. But the Doctor is bigger than all that. THE DOCTOR: 'That's our lives, Belinda. We travel in and out of the slipstreams of time. Beautiful things can be forgotten and gone. But they still happened somewhere.' This line to Belinda (Varada Sethu) profoundly resonates with me. Perhaps it's because the older I get, the more spotty my memory is, but the Doctor's quote is unequivocally true. Beautiful things happen. They come and go. We'll inevitably forget them. However, that doesn't negate their existence somewhere in the universe, whether in this timeline or another. RELATED: Read our Doctor Who recaps Joyous DOCTOR WHO Season 2 Episode 8, 'The Reality War.' Photo credit: James Pardon/BBC Studios/Bad Wolf THE DOCTOR: 'Joy to the world! And that is exactly the word. This has been an absolute joy.' I love that Fifteen's regeneration is bursting with joy. I wouldn't expect anything different from this iteration of our favorite Time Lord. He's embracing his fate with positivity and verve (and as the objectively hottest Doctor — well, male Doctor, that is) before transforming into Billie Piper (whoever she might be here). Seasons 1 and 2 of Doctor Who are now streaming on Disney+. DOCTOR WHO: Our Favorite Easter Eggs From 'Lux' Contact: [email protected] What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events. Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium. Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
