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Scottish Sun
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC announces new Doctor Who series – but with a huge twist
Russell T Davies remained coy about Piper's role in the show COMING SOON BBC announces new Doctor Who series – but with a huge twist Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE BBC have announced a new Doctor Who series - but there is a huge twist. Fans were left stunned last month when bosses replaced Ncuuti Gatwa with former star Billie Piper in a shock series ending. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Ncuuti Gatwa, the show's 15th Doctor, left after just two series Credit: BBC 5 Fans were left shocked when he regenerated at the end of the last episode Credit: PA 5 Billie Piper made a surprising return as the new Dr Who Piper, 42, is a fan favourite on the long-running BBC series, and originally played sidekick Rose Tyler to Christopher Ecclestone's Doctor back in 2005. Fans were therefore shocked to see her make a surprising return as outgoing Gatwa's Dr Who regenerated to reveal Piper as the new doc. Gatwa, 32, the show's 15th Doctor, left after just two series, amid widespread reports of plunging ratings and doubts over its future linked to woke storylines. It is unclear if Piper's role will be a permanent move. DR Who STAR GONE Coronation Street and Dr Who star dies aged 92 as family pays touching tribute Her character remained with David Tennant's Tenth Doctor, before becoming trapped in a parallel world. Showrunner Russell T Davies said it was "an honour and a hoot" to welcome Billie back to the show, though also played coy when it came to what this means for the Time Lord going forward. Instead, he just noted: "After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!" And now the BBC is set to expand the Whoniverse as it launches plans for a brand new pre-school animation series which will see the Doctor's adventures come to CBeebies for the first time ever. The BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show. It will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends. David Tennant tells Doctor Who haters to 'f--k off' in hilarious new The Assembly trailer as he gets a grilling And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way. Speaking about the plans, 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.' Meanwhile, insiders say Billie Piper's shock return at the end of the latest series was understood to be teeing up a comeback for David Tennant as the Time Lord for a one-off special. A source said: 'The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. 'David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in a golden age of Doctor Who. 'With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about, with the thought of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah. 'When David's Doctor bi-generated in the 60th anniversary special, his 'half' went on to live a normal life in an alternative universe while Ncuti Gatwa's carried on as the Time Lord. 'It wouldn't be beyond the realms of imagination for him to return with Billie as Rose for a one-off special to celebrate not only their partnership but the anniversary of BBC bringing back Doctor Who.' David, 54, played the tenth version of the Time Lord for five years until 2010. In a twist, he then returned as the 14th Doctor for three specials before handing the role over to Ncuti. The Sun revealed last month that Ncuti, 31, was leaving the Tardis. And after the final episode, Ncuti said: 'I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved 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.' Doctor Who's future is still undecided, with the BBC now waiting to see if Disney+ — which pumped millions of pounds into the show — will renew its deal. Ratings for the sci-fi staple have plummeted since Tennant left, with overnight peak viewing figures dropping as low as 1.6million. Many fans of the show complained it had gone 'woke'. Meanwhile, Whovians are waiting to see if Billie is the new, 16th Doctor or is sidekick Rose again. Shame we can't jump in a Tardis and find out as only time will tell. 5 Billie Piper originally played sidekick Rose Tyler to Christopher Ecclestone's Doctor back in 2005 Credit: Alamy 5 Rose remained with David Tennant's Tenth Doctor, before becoming trapped in a parallel world Credit: Alamy All episodes of Dr Who are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Newsweek
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Ncuti Gatwa Leaves 'Doctor Who' Having Never Faced Iconic Dalek Foes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Ncuti Gatwa is set to depart the long-running BBC television series Doctor Who without ever encountering the Time Lord's most infamous enemies: the Daleks. Despite his groundbreaking tenure as the 15th Doctor and the first Black actor to assume the role, Gatwa's era will close without a showdown against the sci-fi series' iconic villains. Ncuti Gatwa, left in New York, May 5, 2025, in New York; and Billie Piper in London, March 27, 2024. Ncuti Gatwa, left in New York, May 5, 2025, in New York; and Billie Piper in London, March 27, 2024. Evan Agostini,Vianney Le Caer/AP The Context Ncuti Gatwa officially departed Doctor Who on Saturday, saying he "loved every minute of it," after his Doctor regenerated into Billie Piper in a season finale that has sparked mixed reactions from fans. Piper, 42, is no stranger to the series, having first appeared in 2005 as Rose Tyler, companion to Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor, and later alongside David Tennant's Tenth Doctor. Gatwa's exit, long speculated, now confirms him as the second-shortest-serving Doctor, following Eccleston's single-season run. What To Know Gatwa becomes only the second actor never to face the Daleks during his tenure in the lead role—joining Paul McGann, whose Eighth Doctor battled them only in audio dramas, while David Tennant's Tenth Doctor encountered them, but his brief return as the Fourteenth did not. A full size Dalek during a photo call at the Propstore in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ahead of their Doctor Who auction for BBC Children in Need. A full size Dalek during a photo call at the Propstore in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, ahead of their Doctor Who auction for BBC Children in Need. Press Association via AP Images Doctor Who first premiered in 1963 and ran until 1989 before going on an extended hiatus. The series, about a heroic time traveling Doctor who battles dark forces of the universe, was successfully revived in 2005 under the guidance of writer Russell T Davies, ushering in a new era for the iconic sci-fi show. Key elements of the franchise's longevity are: the Doctor's Tardis time machine, a converted antiquated police phone box; and the concept of regeneration, in which the Doctor undergoes a transformation into a new body and personality following events that would typically be fatal. This also doubles as a handy dramatic device to switch actors in the lead role. Additionally, the Doctor is kitted out with a "sonic screwdriver," an equivalent to Batman's utility belt. To date,14 actors have officially portrayed the Doctor in numbered roles, David Tennant uniquely returning to play both the 10th and 14th incarnations. Additionally, the late John Hurt portrayed the previously unknown "War Doctor" in a special episode marking the show's 50th anniversary. What People Are Saying Gatwa 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. Billie Piper said in a press release: "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." Russell T. Davies in the BBC press release 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." What Happens Next It remains unknown at this stage when the next series will be released on BBC. In the U.S. the show airs on Disney+. The fact that Gatwa has not battled the Daleks, gives him the perfect excuse to return in a later series, plot permitting.
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Billie Piper announced as new Doctor Who as she replaces Ncuti Gatwa in BBC series
Who could have seen that coming? WHO'S THAT? Billie Piper announced as new Doctor Who as she replaces Ncuti Gatwa in BBC series Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DOCTOR Who has delivered a massive shock to fans with a familiar face returning – with Billie Piper making her comeback, only this time as the Doctor themselves. Billie is a fan favourite on the long-running BBC series, helping reboot the show as companion Rose Tyler to Christopher Ecclestone's Ninth Doctor back in 2005. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Ncuti Gatwa has said goodbye to Doctor Who with a finale regeneration Credit: PA 5 Billie Piper has made her triumphant comeback to the show as the new Doctor Credit: PA 5 As Rose Tyler, Billie travelled the cosmos with Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant's Doctors Credit: Alamy Her character remained with the character as he regenerated into David Tennant's Tenth Doctor, before being trapped in a parallel world. However, Billie, and Rose, have made several appearances throughout the show since. In a massive shock on tonight's finale, The Reality War, Ncuti Gatwa - the 15th Doctor said goodbye to the role after two series and regenerated. The Doctor faced off against enemy the Rani in the latest bid to save the world. However, the ultimate sacrifice came in a bid to save the life of a little girl. As yellow particles eclipsed him, he transformed into a very familiar face – Rose – marking her turn as the 16th Doctor. She then mumbled a quick "Oh Hello!" before the series ended. Speaking of her 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." Speaking of his decision to leave, 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." Doctor Who's wokest ever lead star Ncuti Gatwa axed after just two series with show set to be paused after ratings nosedive "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 continued. "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.' Speaking of the surprise twist, Russell T Davies adds: "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!" 5 Billie first appeared as afn favourite companion Rose in 2005 Credit: Alamy
Wales Online
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Escape to the Country star's forgotten cameo in huge BBC drama
Escape to the Country star's forgotten cameo in huge BBC drama Escape to the Country star Alistair Appleton has appeared in another popular BBC drama - but did you spot him? Alistair Appleton, known for his presenting roles on BBC's Escape to the Country and Cash in the Attic, also had a brief stint on another popular BBC drama. In 2006, he made a guest appearance on Doctor Who, during David Tennant's tenure as the Tenth Doctor. In an episode titled Army of Ghosts, viewers would have seen Alistair playing himself as he presented a fictional programme, Ghostwatch. Article continues below The scene featured him reporting on supernatural events where ghosts were appearing in London and worldwide. Doctor Who fans watched as the BBC star relayed information about the paranormal activities. He was heard saying: "In today's Ghostwatch, claims that some of the ghost's are starting to talk and there seems to be a regular formation gathering around Westminster bridge. It's almost like a military display." Escape to the Country star's forgotten cameo in huge BBC drama (Image: (Image: BBC) ) Escape to the Country host lost for words as couple make announcement READ MORE: As he shared the news bulletin, the Time Lord, alongside companions Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) and Jackie (Camille Coduri), watched the announcement with confusion. Other stars such as Trisha Goddard and Most Haunted's Derek Acorah also made cameo appearances in the programme. Alistair appeared in the Doctor Who episode 'Army of Ghosts' (Image: (Image: BBC) ) Recently, the property expert announced that new episodes of Escape to the Country, which he filmed in 2024, were airing, reports the Express. Alistair took to Instagram to share photos with the couples he had been assisting in their quest for the perfect home. The BBC star shared an update on the property show on his social media (Image: (Image: BBC) ) His caption read: "Brand-new episode of Escape to the Country today on BBC iPlayer or on your BBC one regular television. "It was a lovely sunny week we spent in Dorset last year finding these lovely folks a dream home by the sea. I also got to have a bath outside." Article continues below Escape to the Country is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
