This weekend’s final episode of the 15th season of Doctor Who, ‘The Reality War’, saw Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor exit the role and regenerate into Billie Piper, who is already established in the beloved British sci-fi drama as former companion Rose Tyler.
Piper played the character Rose Tyler for 35 episodes between 2005 and 2013 opposite the Time Lord played by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant.
The credit at the end of the programme said: “Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor. And introducing Billie Piper”.
So, is Piper the 16th Doctor – and therefore only the third woman to portray the character?
Producers are keeping their cards close to their chest — for now.
“Just how and why she is back remains to be seen,” the BBC said in a statement after the finale aired.
“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,” showrunner Russell T Davies said in a statement.
Piper said “Doctor Who” has provided some of her best memories and she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to come back.
“It’s no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return … but who, how, why and when, you’ll just have to wait and see,” she said.
So, while Piper’s statement does not make it clear whether she will be the 16th Doctor, eagle eyed fans have expressed doubts as they were quick to note that Piper was not introduced as the Doctor in the credits, as is custom…
Even if the identity of the next Doctor remains uncertain, what’s sure is that fans on social media appeared divided after Piper made her shock return to the series.
Some expressed joy at her return, with one taking to X to write: “I literally don’t give a FUCK about anyone else’s opinion. Some of you are never happy, and that’s okay, be miserable. But me? I’ll be sat, looking at Billie Piper. The world is healing…”
Others were confused, while some prayed that this was not a gimmick and that Piper gets the opportunity to have her go as the Doctor…
Some fans, however, were unimpressed.
“You need to reboot, you’ve dragged it to the lowest depths of hell,” wrote one, while another described the surprise return as an “absolute train wreck.”
One chimed in to say: “Regenerating into Billie Piper just to boost ratings felt completely unneeded.”
Some recalled that Christopher Eccleston, who played the 9th Doctor, once said that Piper should play a version of the Doctor…
The Rwanda-born, Scotland-raised Gatwa, 29, was the first Black actor to helm the show, but he wasn’t the first Black Doctor — Jo Martin played “Fugitive Doctor” in several episodes.
In a statement, Gatwa said of his departure: “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.”
He added: “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.”
“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.” He concluded: “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 took over the role from Jodie Whittaker in 2023.
Whittaker was the 13th Doctor and the first woman to play the galaxy-hopping extraterrestrial who regenerates into new bodies. She took over from Peter Capaldi in 2017. Martin was the second woman.
It’s unknown when Doctor Who will next appear on our screens and when fans will get answers. The show typically has a Christmas special, but this has not been confirmed.
If the series should return in 2026, production would need to get going pretty quickly. Fans online are speculating that a new series will hit the screens in 2027.
That’s a long time to wait for the confirmed identity of the new Time Lord…