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NCUTI GATWA Announces departure from “regeneration-jodie-whittaker/” title=”… Is Sixteenth Doctor: … Leaving ‘Doctor Who …”>Doctor Who,” BILLIE PIPER Returns
After a short but memorable run, NCUTI GATWA has confirmed his exit from “Doctor Who,” with BILLIE PIPER making a surprising comeback to the series.
By Anya Sharma | LONDON – 2025/06/01 08:32:51
NCUTI GATWA has officially announced his departure from Doctor Who following his dramatic exit in the season finale on May 31.The 32-year-old actor’s final appearance saw the Time Lord regenerate into BILLIE PIPER, seemingly reprising her role as Rose Tyler.
Rumors of GATWA’s departure had circulated for months, and his exit marks him as the second shortest-serving Doctor, following CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON, who starred in only one season in 2005.
In a statement, GATWA reflected on his time on the show: “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 continued, “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.”
GATWA also expressed his gratitude to the fans: “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.”
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BBC Studios/Bad wolf/James Pardon
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“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.”
Doctor Who showrunner RUSSELL T DAVIES shared his thankfulness for GATWA’s contribution: “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.”
DAVIES also commented on PIPER’s return: “Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she’s done it again! It’s an honor 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!”
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BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf via AP)
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GATWA is set to appear in the West End production of
