Ncuti Gatwa has officially left his role as The Doctor in Doctor Who after just two years in the role.
Confirming speculation that had been rife for months, Saturday night's season two finale saw the Fifteenth Doctor regenerate following a battle with The Rani (Archie Panjabi/Anita Dobson).
After bidding farewell to companions Ruby (Millie Gibson) and Belinda (Varada Sethu), The Doctor had a surprise encounter with the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) in the TARDIS before regenerating next to the open door in deep space.
In a further twist, as Fifteen dissipated, a seemingly-new iteration of The Doctor, played by Billie Piper, appeared in his place and said the words: "Oh, hello!"
Piper previously played fan-favourite Rose Tyler for two series in 2005 and 2006, reprising the role in 2008 and 2010 - the latter for David Tennant's swansong as the Tenth Doctor.
Tennant himself has since reappeared as The Doctor as the Fourteenth iteration and remains active in the Whoniverse following a bigeneration twist - suggesting that Piper's return to the show could see the pair reunite on screen.
Speaking of "his decision" to leave, Gatwa said in a statement: "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. 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."
Showrunner Russell T Davies 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."
© BBC
As for Piper, she has yet to be confirmed as playing The Doctor or reprising her role as Rose, with the credits for the episode simply stating: "And Introducing Billie Piper."
"It's no secret how much I love this show," she said, "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."
Davies 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!"
Who's immediate future remains unknown as the BBC awaits a decision from funding partner Disney+ on whether it wants to remain involved for future seasons, although in any event the most likely timing for new episodes is now late 2026 or early 2027 at the soonest.
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
