©Deadline - James Pardon/Disney+/BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/Courtesy Everett CollectionIn the episode’s dramatic climax, Gatwa’s Doctor sacrifices himself to save the baby Poppy, daughter of companion Belinda (played by Varada Sethu, pictured left). As his body dissolves in the iconic golden light of regeneration, viewers are surprised to see Billie Piper appear, uttering the first words of her new incarnation: “Oh, hello!”
While regenerations are a long-standing tradition in the Doctor Who franchise, this is the first time that a former companion has seemingly stepped into the role of the Doctor. Fans will remember Piper as Rose Tyler, the beloved companion of the Ninth and Tenth Doctors, played by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant. Her return has caused both confusion and excitement among viewers.
In an emotional statement, Ncuti Gatwa said his departure was always the plan: “It felt like the right time and the right energy, and it felt melancholic and bittersweet.”
Gatwa called the role of the Doctor “a real pleasure and an honor,” but admitted the physical and emotional intensity of the role weighed heavily: “My knees are telling me it’s time.”
He thanked the Whovians and the creative team for the opportunity, concluding with a warm message: “I will truly miss it and be eternally grateful for it.”
Although the episode ended with Billie Piper's face as the new incarnation, the BBC has not yet confirmed whether she will officially become the 16th Doctor. The end credits listed her as: "Introducing Billie Piper", which both harks back to her and Rose's past, but also leaves room for interpretation.
In 2017, Piper said she felt the role of the Doctor herself was “too big,” despite advocating for a female Doctor. Now it seems she has taken up the gauntlet after all – or is this perhaps a temporary form of narrative misdirection?
Although Gatwa's departure was planned well in advance, rumours recently surfaced in The Sun about his alleged dismissal due to falling ratings - rumours that the BBC has emphatically denied. The broadcaster has confirmed that the future of the series is still under consideration, but Russell T Davies has already revealed that scripts for season three are ready. There may be a break first.
